Flop-Ear and Dusty

A lion named Fierce-Mane once injured his paw and could not hunt. His jackal helper, Dusty, searched for an animal the lion might catch without running. Near a village pond he found a thin donkey named Flop-Ear eating dry, prickly grass.

Dusty spoke as sweetly as honey. “Uncle, why live on dust and thorns? I know a green meadow beside a river. Three friendly donkeys there have asked me to find them a fine companion.” Flop-Ear knew the forest could be dangerous, but the promise of soft grass and friendship sounded wonderful.

He followed Dusty into the forest. Fierce-Mane sprang too soon and landed beside him. Flop-Ear saw the lion and raced back to the village. Trembling, he told himself never to trust the jackal again.

But Dusty soon returned. “Why did you run?” he laughed. “That was no lion. It was a shy donkey rushing forward to welcome you.” Flop-Ear remembered exactly what he had seen, yet the jackal praised his strength and repeated the story until hope pushed caution aside.

Flop-Ear followed him a second time. This time Fierce-Mane was ready, and the donkey could not escape. Dusty later claimed that Flop-Ear must never have used his ears or his good sense—otherwise he would not have returned after seeing the danger with his own eyes.

The tale was remembered not to mock Flop-Ear, but to warn anyone who has escaped a clear danger: flattering words do not make that danger disappear. Listen to experience, especially when it speaks more honestly than a tempting promise.