XXXVIII. THE JACKAL IN THE ELEPHANT’S FOOTPRINTS.1
Anton Schiefner translation
An elephant came long ago to the Himalayas to drink water. In its track followed a jackal, which saw the elephant’s footprints, and began to measure its own stride with them.
“These footprints are mine,” it said to itself.
A deity uttered this verse—
“In a word, O fool, thy footprints and those of the elephant are not alike. Give up this useless attempt. Thou wilt only derive weariness therefrom.”