A lion wandered around his immense domain,
With pride and nobility, guarding his terrain;
Many preys devoured, but none in vain,
The good prince finally his dinner did attain!
He did not walk alone, though,
No, after the powerful blow
He was followed by tigers, leopards and wolves,
Panthers, razorbacks and foxes that,
As they say, closed in wisely from the back.
One day the monarch spoke solemnly
To the subjects and victims respectfully:
“Illustrious comrades of my glorious reign,
Quadruped submitted to my noble fang,
Hear me out all of you in my land,
Listen, I am your king by God’s hand!
The lion then spoke of his power
Better perhaps than a lawyer,
Or a district attorney with brains,
Spoke of his duties and his state claims,
Talked about dogs, shepherds, and regulations,
Silly people, bad words and evil actions.
He then finished, already touched by the moment,
By saying: I left my palace giving you the scent
Of my presence; tell me about your problems;
I will judge the cause and give you my terms.
Cows, sheep and rabbits you may count on
My benevolence! You have total freedom
To explain. I wait. But wait, nothing at all,
From this whole assembly, not a call
No complaint, not a single screech!
An old crow then interrupted the speech,
And gliding freely in the air he said:
Do you find their silence bad?
Your grace? It is their horror that touches
Your senses and keep their mouth shut!
