(From a German original Manuscript in Sir G. Grey’s Library, H. C.
Knudsen’s “Notes on the Hottentots,” p. 11.)
A Dutchman was walking by himself, and saw a Snake lying under a large
stone. The Snake implored his help; but when she had become free, she
said, “Now I shall eat you.”
The Man answered, “That is not right. Let us first go to the Hare.”
When the Hare had heard the affair, he said, “It is right.” “No,” said
the Man, “let us ask the Hyena.”
The Hyena declared the same, saying, “It is right.”
“Now let us at last ask the Jackal,” said the Man in his despair.
The Jackal answered very slowly and considerately, doubting the whole
affair, and demanding to see first the place, and whether the Man was
able to lift the stone. The Snake lay down, and the Man, to prove the
truth of his account, put the stone again over her.
When she was fast, the Jackal said, “Now let her lie there.”