Prevod

She said: “It has reached me, O fortunate king, that the crow said: ‘They tell of a hawk who, in his youth, was a ruthless tyrant. The beasts of the land and the birds of prey lived in dread of him, and none was safe from his malice. Many tales were told of his cruelty and oppression, for it was his constant practice to torment the other birds. But as the years passed, he grew weak and hungry, and his suffering became severe once his strength had left him. At last he resolved to go where the birds gathered and eat whatever they left behind. Thus he came to earn his food by cunning rather than by strength and violence. So it is with you, O fox: though your strength may fail you, your guile does not. I have no doubt that your desire for my friendship is merely a scheme to secure your food. I shall never be one to put my hand in yours, for God has given me strength in my wings, caution in my heart, and sight in my eyes. Know that whoever tries to imitate one stronger than himself will suffer, and may even perish. I fear that if you imitate those stronger than you, you will meet the same fate as the sparrow.’ The fox said: ‘And what happened to the sparrow? I beg you, by God, to tell me.’

The crow said: ‘I have heard that a sparrow was flying over a sheepfold when he looked down and saw a great eagle swoop upon a little lamb, seize it in its talons, and fly away. When the sparrow saw this, he spread his wings and said: “I shall do as he has done.” Filled with admiration for himself, he sought to imitate one greater than he. At once he flew down upon a fat ram with a thick fleece, which had become matted from lying in its own urine and dung, until the wool was like spittle. The sparrow landed on its back and beat his wings, but his feet became entangled in the fleece. He tried to fly away, but could not. All this happened under the shepherd’s eye. Then the hawk returned in anger, seized the sparrow, plucked out his wing feathers, tied a string to his feet, and carried him to his children, tossing him down before them. One of the children asked: “What is this?” He answered: “This is one who tried to imitate his betters and came to ruin.” So it is with you, O fox. I warn you not to imitate those stronger than you, lest you perish. That is all I have to say. Go from me in peace.’

When the fox despaired of winning the crow’s friendship, he turned away, groaning in his grief and grinding his teeth in regret. Hearing his weeping and moaning, and seeing his sorrow and dejection, the crow said: ‘O fox, what has befallen you that you gnash your teeth?’ The fox replied: ‘I gnash my teeth only because I have found you more cunning than I.’ Then he fled, making his way back to his den.

“Such, O king, was the tale of those two.” The king said: “O Shahrazad, how delightful these tales are! Have you any other fables like them?”