Character Index | Proverb Index
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| Character Index | Proverb Index |
A Herdsman lost a Calf from the fold. He searched far and wide but could not find the Calf. As a last hope he prayed to the Gods to find the Calf. Shortly thereafter he rounded a hill and came upon a Lion feeding on the Calf. He quickly further prayed: "You have answered my prayer, but now I would willingly add a full-grown Bull to the Calf I have lost, if only I might secure my own escape."
Townsend version
A herdsman tending his flock in a forest lost a Bull-calf from the fold. After a long and fruitless search, he made a vow that, if he could only discover the thief who had stolen the Calf, he would offer a lamb in sacrifice to Hermes, Pan, and the Guardian Deities of the forest. Not long afterwards, as he ascended a small hillock, he saw at its foot a Lion feeding on the Calf. Terrified at the sight, he lifted his eyes and his hands to heaven, and said: "Just now I vowed to offer a lamb to the Guardian Deities of the forest if I could only find out who had robbed me; but now that I have discovered the thief, I would willingly add a full-grown Bull to the Calf I have lost, if I may only secure my own escape from him in safety."
L'Estrange version (Jupiter and a Herds-man)
A herds-man that had lost a calf out of his grounds, sent up and down after it; and when he could get no tydings on't, he betook himself at last to his prayers, according to the custom of the world, when people are brought to a forc'd put. Great Jupiter (says he) do but shew me the thief that stole my calf, and I'll give thee a kid for a sacrifice. The word was no sooner pass'd; but the thief appear'd; which was indeed a lyon. This discovery put him to his prayers once again. I have not forgotten my vow, says he, but now thou hast brought me to the thief, I'll make that kid a bull, if thou'lt but set me quit of him again.
Moral
We cannot be too careful and considerate what vows, and promises we make; for the very granting of our prayers turns many times to our utter ruine.
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Tom Simondi, All Rights Reserved