Prevod

A lion once aspired to the finest way of life among men. Settling into a spacious den, he sought to show true kindness to those mountain creatures whose character he knew to be the best. Before long, a great company of beasts of every kind were gathering peacefully beneath his cave’s roof. He welcomed and entertained them according to the customs of hospitality, setting before them all a feast to gladden their hearts. He had taken a fox as his friend and companion, and the two often enjoyed pleasant conversation. An old monkey carved the meat and divided the portions among the diners. Whenever someone outside their usual circle arrived, he served the stranger, like his master, meat from the lion’s latest kill; the fox, however, received a smaller portion of meat left over from the day before. One day she deliberately fell silent and kept her paws away from the food. The lion asked what was wrong. “Wise fox, speak as you always do. Come, my friend, brighten your face and taste the feast.” She replied, “Noblest of all the beasts, a great anxiety tears at my heart. It is not merely my present lot that troubles me: I weep when I look ahead. For if one stranger comes today and another tomorrow, and this becomes a habit, soon I alone shall not get so much as a taste of yesterday’s meat.” Amused, the lion smiled kindly and said, “Blame the monkey for that, not me.” It is not merely present troubles that cause people pain and grief; the anticipation of troubles yet to come can distress them even more.