The hare's apology.
“Mercy!” cried the hare, “I have an excuse, if thy Lordship's pardon come to my aid.”
“What excuse?” said he. “Oh, the shortsightedness of fools! Is this the time for them to come into the presence of kings?
Thou art an untimely bird: thy head must be cut off. One ought not to hear the excuse of a fool.
The fool's excuse is worse than his crime; the excuse of the ignorant is the poison that kills wisdom.
Thy excuse, O hare, is devoid of wisdom: what hare am I that thou shouldst put it in my ear?”
“O king,” he replied, “account a worthless one to be worthy: hearken to the excuse of one who has suffered oppression.
In particular, as an alms (thank-offering) for thy high estate, do not drive out of thy way one whose way is lost.
The ocean, which gives some water to every stream, lays on its head and face (surface) every piece of rubbish.
By this bounty the sea will not become less: the sea is neither increased nor diminished by its bounty.”
The lion said, “I will bestow bounty in its (proper) place, I will cut every one's clothes according to his stature.”
“Listen,” cried the hare, “if I am not a fit object for (thy) grace, I lay my head before the dragon of (thy) violence.
At breakfast-time I set out on the way, I came towards the king with my comrade.
That party (of beasts) had appointed, for thy sake, another hare to go along with me as consort and companion.
On the road a lion attacked thy humble slave, attacked both the companions in travel who were coming (to thee).
I said to him, ‘We are the slaves of the King of kings, the lowly fellow-servants of that (exalted) court.’
He said, ‘The King of kings! Who is he? Be ashamed! Do not make mention of every base loon in my presence.
Both thee and thy king I will tear to pieces, if thou and thy friend turn back from my door.’
I said to him, ‘Let me behold once more the face of the king and bear the news of thee (to him).’
He said, ‘Place thy comrade with me (in my keeping) as a pledge; otherwise, thou art a sacrifice (thy life is forfeit) according to my law.’
We entreated him much: it was no use. He seized my friend and left me to go alone.
My friend, from his plumpness, made three of me both in comeliness and beauty and (size of) body.
Henceforth this road is barred by that lion: the thread of our covenants is broken.
Cut off (abandon) hope of the allowance henceforth; I am telling thee the truth, and truth is bitter.
If thou want the allowance, clear the way! hey, come on and repel that irreverent one!”
