The Wolf and the Lamb

A clear stream ran down from the hillside, murmuring over stones. A little lamb stood in the lower part of the stream, drinking quietly. He wanted only a few mouthfuls of water before returning to the meadow.

Higher up the stream came a wolf. His belly was empty, and when he saw the lamb he desired him for a meal. Yet the wolf did not wish to say plainly, “I am hungry and stronger than you.” Instead he frowned and cried, “You wicked creature! How dare you muddy the water I am drinking?”

The lamb trembled, but answered gently, “Sir, the water runs from you to me. I am downstream. How could I muddy the water above me?” The answer was true, but the wolf had not come to seek truth.

“Then,” said the wolf, “last year you spoke ill of me.” The lamb replied, “I was not even born last year.” The wolf snarled, “If it was not you, it was your father, or one of your family. It is all the same.”

The lamb tried again to explain, but the wolf had an excuse ready for every answer. At last he threw off all pretence. “You may talk as you please,” he said, “but I mean to eat you.” Then he seized the lamb.

The stream flowed on as clear as before, but the wolf’s heart was not clear. He had chosen harm first and invented reasons afterward.