1. Three hungry men with bellies drawn in
Lost in a desolate place where no dweller’s tracks could be found

2. A rough, inhospitable land where hardship was the norm
And cruelty blinded people to misery around them

3. In a ravine an old woman lived alone
With three ghostly figures she imagined for company

4. One gloomy night a figure appeared and startled her
But realizing he was a guest, her worry turned to welcome

5. Her son said, seeing her dismay:
“Father, slaughter me to feed this stranger, do not hesitate!

6. Do not excuse yourself saying we have nothing to offer one
Who expects wealth from us and would broaden our fame”

7. The father thought for a while, then heaved a sigh
Though he never sacrificed his son, he had considered it

8. As the two despaired in their distant destitution
A deer with symmetrical lines on its back approached like a poem

9. Thirsty, seeking water, it moved toward them
As if it would be a feast to quench their famished bodies

10. The man waited until the deer had quenched its thirst
Then let fly an arrow from his bow into its side

11. The deer fell, fat with meat, abundant in flesh
Enough to feed them and overflow their dishes with fat

12. Oh what joy when he dragged it to his people!
And what joy they felt when they saw its blood spill!

13. They spent the night honored, having fulfilled their duty
To their guest. No loss did they incur, but profit made

14. The father’s gladness made him again a true father
The mother’s joy made her again a true mother