BERBERS FOLKTALES

The Mule, the Jackal, and theLion

The Mule, the Jackal, and the Lion went in company.

“We will eat the one whose race is bad,” they said to each other.

“Lion, who is your father?”

“My father is a lion, and my mother is a lioness.”

“And you, Jackal, what is your father?”

“My father is a jackal and my mother too.”

“And you, Mule, what is your father?”

“My father is an ass, and my mother is a mare.”

“Your race is bad; we will eat you.”

He answered them:

“I will consult an old man. If he says that my race is bad, you may

devour me.”

He went to a farrier, and said to him, “Shoe my hind feet, and make the nails stick out well.”

He went back home. He called the Camel and showed him his feet, saying, “See what is written on this tablet.”

“The writing is difficult to decipher”, answered the Camel. “I do not understand it, for I only know three words outini, ouzatini, ouazakin.”

He called the Lion, and said to him, “I do not understand these letters; I only know three

words outini, ouzatini, ouazakin.”

“Show it to me,” said the Lion. He approached. The Mule struck him between the eyes and stretched him out level.

He who goes with a knave is betrayed by him.

END