(The original, in the Hottentot language, is in Sir G. Grey’s
Library, G. Krönlein’s Manuscript, pp. 33, 34.)
The Moon, it is said, sent once an Insect to Men, saying, “Go thou to
Men, and tell them, ‘As I die, and dying live, so ye shall also die,
and dying live.’” The Insect started with the message, but whilst on
his way was overtaken by the Hare, who asked: “On what errand art thou
bound?” The Insect answered: “I am sent by the Moon to Men, to tell
them that as she dies, and dying lives, they also shall die, and dying
live.” The Hare said, “As thou art an awkward runner, let me go” (to
take the message). With these words he ran off, and when he reached
Men, he said, “I am sent by the Moon to tell you, ‘As I die, and dying
perish, in the same manner ye shall also die and come wholly to an
end.’” Then the Hare returned to the Moon, and told her what he had
said to Men. The Moon reproached him angrily, saying, “Darest thou tell
the people a thing which I have not said?” With these words she took up
a piece of wood, and struck him on the nose. Since that day the Hare’s
nose is slit.