The Lion

The Lion By Lafcadio Hearn © 2006 by http://www.HorrorMasters.com

Intelligence is better than much learning; intelligence is better than science; the man that hath not intelligence shall perish like those who made unto themselves a lion . . . . And this is the story of the lion, as related by the holy Brahman Vichnousarman in the Pantchavinsati. In days of old there were four youths of the Brahman caste,—brothers, who loved each other with strong affection, and had resolved to travel all together into a neighboring empire to seek fortune and fame. Of these four brothers three had deeply studied all sciences, knowing magic, astronomy, alchemy, and occult arts most difficult to learn; while the fourth had no knowledge whatever of science, possessing intelligence only. Now, as they were travelling together, one of the learned brothers observed: “Why should a brother without knowledge obtain profit by our wisdom? Travelling with us he can be only a burden upon us. Never will he be able to obtain the respect of kings, and therefore must he remain a disgrace to us. Rather let him return home.” But the eldest of all answered: “Nay! let him share our good luck; for he is our loving brother, and we may perhaps find some position for him which he can fill without being a disgrace to us.” So they journeyed along; and after a time, while passing through a forest, they beheld the bones of a lion scattered on the path. These bones were white as milk and hard as flint, so dry and so bleached they were. Then said he who had first condemned the ignorance of his brother: “Let us now show our brother what science may accomplish; let us put his ignorance to shame by giving life to these lion-bones, and creating another lion from them! By a few magical words I can summon the dry bones together, making each fit into its place.” Therewith he spake the words, so that the dry bones came together with a clattering sound,—each fitting to its socket,—and the skeleton rejointed itself together. “I,” quoth the second brother, “can by a few words spread tendons over the bones,—each in its first place,—and thicken them with muscle, and redden them with blood, and create the humors, the veins, the glands, the marrow, the internal organs, and the exterior skin.” Therewith he spake the words; and the body of the lion appeared upon the ground at their feet, perfect, shaggy, huge. “And I,” said the third brother, “can by one word give warmth to the blood and motion to the heart, so that the animal shall live and breathe and devour beasts. And ye shall hear him roar.” But ere he could utter the word, the fourth brother, who knew nothing about science, placed his hand over his mouth. “Nay!” he cried, “do not utter the word. That is a lion! If thou givest him life, he will devour us.” But the others laughed him to scorn, saving: ‘Go home, thou fool! what dost thou know of science?” Then he answered them: “At least, delay the making of the lion until thy brother can climb up this tree.” Which they did. But hardly had he ascended the tree when the word was spoken, and the lion moved and opened his great yellow eyes. Then he stretched himself, and arose, and roared. Then he turned upon the three wise men, and slew them, and devoured them. © 2006 by http://www.HorrorMasters.com

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But after the lion had departed, the youth who knew nothing of science descended from the tree unharmed, and returned to his home.