بخش 93 - حکایت در بیان آنک کسی توبه کند و پشیمان شود و باز آن پشیمانیها را فراموش کند و آزموده را باز آزماید در خسارت ابد افتد چون توبهٔ او را ثباتی و قوتی و حلاوتی و قبولی مدد نرسد چون درخت بی‌بیخ هر روز زردتر و خشک‌تر نعوذ بالله

(Once) there was a washerman, who had an ass with a sore on its back and empty-bellied and lean.

(He kept it) in ground covered with stones, where no grass grew: from morning till night it went without food and shelter.

Except water, there was nothing for it to eat or drink: the ass was in that miserable state by day and by night.

In the neighbourhood was a reed-bed and a jungle, where a lion lived whose occupation was hunting.

A battle took place between the lion and a fierce elephant: the lion was wounded and disabled from going to hunt.

On account of his weakness he was unable to hunt for some time, and the (smaller) wild animals were deprived of their morning-meal;

For they used to eat the lion's leavings: when the lion became ill they suffered distress.

The lion gave orders to a fox, saying, “Go and hunt an ass for me.

If you find an ass round about the meadow, go, charm him with specious talk, beguile him, and bring him (here).

As soon as I gain some strength from (eating) the flesh of the ass, then afterwards I will seize another victim.

I will eat (only) a little, ye (shall have) the rest: I am the means (appointed) for you as regards (your supply of) food.

Procure for me either an ass or an ox: address (to them) some of the charming words that you know (how to use).

Deprive him of his wits by flatteries and fair words and bring him here.”