Once upon a time, there was a happy king. One night, he dreamt that a fox hung by its tail from the palace ceiling. None of his courtiers could explain it.
So, he called all the people of the kingdom to interpret his dream. They came, and among them was a poor peasant. Walking over a mountainous country, he saw a serpent who asked him where he was going. He told him all about the King’s summons and his dream. He promised to share any reward he received with the serpent.
“Tell the King that seeing the fox means that there is cunning, hypocrisy and treachery in his kingdom,” explained the serpent.
The peasant told the King what the serpent had said. The King rewarded him lavishly. Not wanting to share the reward with the serpent, he took a different route home.
Some weeks later, the King dreamt of a sword hanging from the ceiling. He sent for the peasant who had to ask the serpent again.
When he did not see the serpent, he called it repeatedly, till it came out. The peasant explained the King’s dream and asked the serpent what it meant.
“There is strife in the land,” replied the serpent, “He must prepare for war.”
The peasant did as the serpent said and returned with rich rewards. This time, he took the mountain path. But instead of sharing his gifts, he drew his sword and chased the serpent into his hole and cut off his tail.
Next, the King dreamt of a sheep. When the peasant was called in, he was frightened. He had to ask the serpent, but he had been ungrateful and cruel. However, he had to go and ask him again.
So, he went up the mountain and called the serpent. Once again it explained, “Tell the King there will be peace in the land and people will be gentle like sheep.” Promising to bring the gifts, the peasant went to the palace.
The king was happy and again gave him costly gifts. This time, the peasant came to the serpent and gave him half his gifts. He apologised humbly for his ingratitude and cruelty.
“It’s not your fault,” said the serpent, “There was treachery in the land, so you also deceived me and went by a different route the first time. There were quarrels the second time, so you cut off my tail,” he explained, “Now there is peace. That’s why you have shared the gifts. Go and live in peace for ever!”
