"0 King, Descendant of Rama! this outrage cannot be. Yet, knowing
the strength and desire of this obscene one and the weakness of
our power, it is plain that only with cunning can cunning be met.
Hear, therefore, the history of the Fox and the Drum.
"A certain Fox searched for food in the jungle, and so doing
beheld a tree on which hung a drum; and when the boughs knocked
upon the parchment, it sounded aloud. Considering, he believed
that so round a form and so great a voice must portend much good
feeding. Neglecting on this account a fowl that fed near by, he
ascended to the drum. The drum being rent was but air and
parchment, and meanwhile the fowl fled away. And from the eye of
folly he shed the tear of disappointment, having bartered the
substance for the shadow. So must we act with this budmash
[scoundrel]. First, receiving his oath that he will depart
without violence, hid him hither to a great feast, and say that
he shall behold the face of the Queen in a mirror. Provide that
some fair woman of the city show her face, and then let him
depart in peace, showing him friendship.
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