An evil that spread terror, An evil that the Heavens in their fury Invented to punish the crimes of the earth, The Plague (we must call it by its name), Able to replenish in one day the river Acheron, Made war against animals. They didn’t all die, but all were struck: You didn’t see any of them busy Looking for some support of a dying life; No food aroused their desire; Neither Wolves nor Foxes watched for Their sweet and innocent prey. The Turtledoves fled away from one another: No more love, therefore no more joy. The Lion called for advice, and said: “My dear friends, I believe that the Heavens allowed This misfortune for our sins; That the guiltiest among us must Sacrifice themselves to the blows of heavenly wrath, Perhaps it will achieve a collective healing. History teaches us that in such crises We make similar sacrifices: So let’s not flatter ourselves; let’s consider without indulgence The state of our conscience. In my case, to satisfy my greedy appetites I devoured many sheep. What had they done to me? Nothing at all. It even happened sometimes that I ate The Shepherd. I will therefore sacrifice myself, if need be; but I think It’s good that all accuse themselves as I have: For we must wish that in all justice The guiltiest perishes. “— Sire,” said the Fox, “you are too generous; Your scruples show too much nobility. Well, to eat sheep, a foolish race, Is it a sin? No, no. You, my Lord, By eating them, you really honored them. And as for the Shepherd, we can say That he was deserving all evils, Being one of those who impose A false power over the animals.” Thus said the Fox, and to flattering applause. They didn’t dare delve too deeply Into the less pardonable offenses of the Tiger, Nor of the Bear, nor of the other beasts. All the quarrelsome beings, even the sheep dogs, Were, according to them, little saints. The Donkey came in his turn and said: “I remember That in passing a Monks’ meadow — The hunger, the moment, the soft grass, and I think Some devil also pushing me — I mowed from this meadow the width of my tongue. I had no right to do so, since we must speak frankly.” Upon these words, they shouted against the ass. A somewhat clerical Wolf proved with his harangue That they should repudiate this wretched animal, This scab, this mange, from whom all their evil came. His trifle was judged a hanging case. Eating other people’s grass! What an abominable crime! Nothing but death could pay For his infamy: they made him grasp this. Depending on whether you are powerful or miserable, Courts will pronounce you white or black.
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