The Masnavi, Book One (Oxford World's Classics)

The wolf and the fox go to the hunt in
attendance on the lion
Attended by the wolf and fox, one day
The lion climbed the mountain to 
find prey,
With mutual support this group of three
Thought they might hunt them more e
ffectively,
Combining forces in that vast terrain
More catches thus they hoped that they would gain.
The lion, though embarrassed by this pair,
Still honoured them by letting them come there,
For such kings feel they’re burdened by their troops,
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But he agreed, for blessings come from groups:
The moon is shamed by stars, in honesty,
It lets them near through generosity.
Was not the Prophet told, ‘
Consult them too! ’
*
Though no one had as good a point of view,
On scales we pair mere iron weights with gold
Though for a fraction of gold’s worth they’re sold;
The body is the spirit’s travelling mate,
The guard dog serves the king at his court’s gate.
Towards the mountain then they made their way,
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Accompanying the lion on that day;
They caught an ox, a goat, and a fat hare,
Thus had a most successful hunt out there:
Whoever backs a lion in the 
fight
Will never lack his meat by day or night.
The Lion, the Wolf, and the Fox
185

---

When they took back their catch across the plain,
Their victims, wounded, drenched in blood, and slain,
The wolf and fox then waited eagerly,
Hoping to see the catch shared equally.
The lion sensed that they’d grown covetous
3040
And knew the basis of their lustfulness:
Know that the lion of the mysteries ––
Whatever thoughts you have he clearly sees,
Refrain distracted heart when he is near
From bad thoughts, for to him they all are clear!
He knows, but doesn’t give you any clue,
He wears a smile as mask and laughs with you.
About their whisperings once he was aware;
He thought he’d better guard against the pair:
‘I’ll show you what you two have truly earned,
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Beggarly misers, then you will have learned!
For you, will my opinion then not do?
Is this your measure of what I’ve shown you?
Your own minds and opinions come from mine,
My world-adorning gifts which are divine;
The painting thanks its painter, as is 
fit,
For thought and knowledge which he’s granted it ––
Is your opinion of me then so low?
Disgraces of the epoch, now I know!
Those who think ill of God,
* if I don’t break
3050
And chop their heads, then that is my mistake!
I’ll free the heavens from your vile disgrace
So that your tale remains in this low place.’
While thinking this he would smile all the while ––
Don’t feel assured on seeing lions smile!
Material wealth is like the smiles of God ––
It’s made us drunk, conceited, prone to fraud;
Becoming poor is best for you who’re sure
About wealth’s worth –– it soon sheds its allure.
The Lion, the Wolf, and the Fox
186

---

The lion tests the wolf saying, ‘Come forward, wolf, divide
the prey among us!’
The lion said, ‘Decide each hunter’s share
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So we can see, wolf, if you’re truly fair;
In distribution be my deputy
Until your essence is made clear to me.’
He said, ‘Dear king, the wild ox is for you
Since you are big, well-built, and powerful too;
The goat’s mine, for its size is moderate;
Fox, take the hare and don’t be obstinate!’
The lion said, ‘What talk I’ve listened to!
How dare you speak near me of “I” and “you”!
That wolf insulted me when it came near
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And saw itself still, though I have no peer.’
The lion roared, ‘Come here, conceited ass!’
Then punched him down and slew him on the grass;
Not hearing true words in the things he’d said,
He
flayed his skin and then chopped off his head!
‘You saw me, but your self you failed to leave,
Your soul must die abased and none will grieve!
You failed to pass away before my face ––
Breaking your neck was thus an act of grace!’