An Elephant was once appointed ruler of a forest. Now it is well known
that the race of elephants is endowed with great intelligence; but
every family has its unworthy scion. Our Governor was as stout as the
rest of his race are, but as foolish as the rest of his race are not.
As to his character, he would not intentionally hurt a fly. Well, the
worthy Governor becomes aware of a petition laid before him by the
Sheep, stating that their skins are entirely torn off their backs by
the Wolves.
"Oh, rogues!" cries the Elephant, "what a crime! Who gave you leave to
plunder?"
But the Wolves say:
"Allow us to explain, O father. Did not you give us leave to take from
the Sheep a trifling contribution for our pelisses in winter? It is
only because they are stupid sheep that they cry out. They have only a
single fleece taken from each of them, but they grumble about giving
even that!"
"Well, well," says the Elephant, "take care what you do. I will not
permit any one to commit injustice. As it must be so, take a fleece
from each of them. But do not take from them a single hair besides."