5. Tale of Field Water Buffalo and Forest Water Buffalo
In the distant past, there were
two water buffalos: one was a field water buffalo, the other
a forest water buffalo. These two animals loved each other
dearly, sleeping and eating in each other's company without
fail. Rabbit knew that these two water buffalos loved each
other in such a way and devised a scheme to make them fall
into disfavor with one another.
One
day Rabbit sought out these two water buffalos and spoke to them saying: "Neh!
Brother Water Buffalos, both of you, do not walk and eat together. Be careful
that people of the village will see and capture you both and put you to work for
them."
The water buffalos hearing Rabbit speak thusly became fearful that they should really meet
the tragedy described by his words. From that day forward, the two water buffalos would eat apart
from each other; but, in being apart, both animals thought about and missed each
other dearly since they had kept one another company for so many years.
After a long while, however,
both water buffalos began to no longer think about or miss
the other. Rabbit, knowing that the two water buffalos were
separate and no longer longed for or remembered one another,
went to the forest water buffalo and said, "Neh, Forest
Water Buffalo! I have heard another water buffalo say that
he is extremely strong and powerful. He wants to compete
in a test of strength." Forest Water Buffalo became very
angry saying, "Yuh! Brother Rabbit, under the sky on
this earth there is only I who am strongest. Now, where is
this water buffalo who recklessly brags that he is stronger
and more powerful than me. Brother, go beckon him to come
here so that we may engage in a test of strength." Rabbit
then went to tell the field water buffalo, "Neh, Brother
Field Water Buffalo! Forest Water Buffalo is very angry with
you. He says to bring you to him so that you may compete in
a test of strength to determine who is mightier." Rabbit
climbed onto Field Water Buffalo's back and took him to meet
Forest Water Buffalo.
As soon as they reached the destination, Forest Water
Buffalo ferociously lunged at Field Water Buffalo. Both water buffalos battled
each other for an extremely long time, neither winning nor losing. Finally, they both gave up and
parted ways: one remained in the field, the other retired to
the forest, never to meet each other again to this day.
|
