Note 2 — The Learned Poor Man

At that time, the news regarding this lion having reached the teacher, he said, “In this manner, a lion which eats men is staying at this city. I have news that men went from the royal palace to kill the lion. Because of it, as soon as you go, ‘You must seize the lion,’ the King will say. Thereupon, say ‘I can,’ and asking for a piece of cord, and placing it [coiled] round your neck, go. Then the men will come [after] killing the lion. Then say, ‘There! People, the work you have done is good! (sarcastically). Asking for a cord I came from the palace [in order] to go [back after] seizing it [alive], so as to place it as a present2 [for the King]. Concerning this, blame will fall on you from the King.’ Having said this, frighten them. Thereupon the party will say, ‘Anē! Bēri-Nādayā, don’t say that we killed it.’ Then say thou, ‘It is good. If so, let no one speak [about it]. Having placed [the deed] upon my own back, I will say it myself.’ Then the men will say, ‘It is good.’ ”