How the lion asked the reason of the hare's drawing back.
The lion said to him, “Amongst (all) the causes of your malady tell (me) the special cause, for this is my object.”
“That lion,” he said, “lives in this well: within this fortress he is safe from harms.”
Every one who is wise chose the bottom of the well (to live in), because spiritual joys are (to be attained only) in solitude.
The darkness of the well is better than the dark shades of the world: he that followed at the heels of the world never saved his head.
“Come on,” said the lion; “my blow subdues him: see thou whether that lion is in the well at present.”
The hare answered, “I am consumed with (dread of) that fieriness (wrath): perhaps thou wilt take me beside thee,
That with thy support, O mine of generosity, I may open my eyes and look into the well.”
