1. The lion looked upon a plump calf
That was nearby, in a safe valley.

2. The soul of the chief craved its flesh,
As refined souls are struck by the exquisite.

3. He said to the fox, “Oh master schemer,
Your beloved head or that gazelle?”

4. He invoked blessings and a long life,
And immediately went to the glorious task.

5. He came to the valley as dusk fell,
And saw the calf, greeting it with peace,

6. Saying “Oh steward, minister master,
You are deserving of pardon and abundant grace.”

7. “Jealousy led the wolf to falsely accuse me,
And slander me to our lord the lion.”

8. “So I fell from high favor,
Though he has never ceased being our gracious advocate.”

9. The deluded one wept at the state of the villain,
And came near, asking to explain the tale.

10. “Are you unaware, oh gentle of nature,
That our lord the father of elephants has died?”

11. “The sultan saw in your great head
The seat of wisdom and abundant skill.”

12. “And he saw you as the best advisor,
A pillar reserved for the kingdom’s rule.”

13. “They have counted you among the ancestors,
Like Haman and the god of the Jews.”

14. “They set up a throne for your eminence
At the right hand of the sublime, fateful king.”

15. “The birds and beasts prepared for that,
Awaiting the noble master there.”

16. “And when you take up the burdens of rule,
Joy and bliss will come to you.”

17. “Acquit me before the sultan of time,
And seek pardon and safety for me from him.”

18. “It is enough that I am the obedient servant,
Serving the benefactor to the best of my ability.”

19. The calf sharpened his horns and said,
“From today onward, you will have no power over me.”

20. “Go, and show me the way to the lion,
For I will have no trouble being his companion.”

21. The two traitors went into the wilderness,
One to death, the other to life.

22. There, the lion swallowed the vizier,
And easily forgave the fox.

23. The fox turned back, laughing at the folly of fools,
And raced in the arena of pride, saying:

24. “The small-headed fox was saved
By every large-headed one.”