Communist Web Monday 15th May 2000 9.30pm gmt How the Tiger Got His Stripes This story took place in prehistoric times, when animals still had the power of speech. A young farmer had just stopped plowing his rice paddy. It was noon, and he sat down to eat his lunch in the shade of banana plant near his land. Not far away his water buffalo was grazing along the grass-covered dikes enclosing rice fields. After the meal the farmer reclined and observed the stout beast which was chewing quietly. From time to time it would chase away the obnoxious flies with a vigorous swing of its massive head. Suddenly the great beast became alarmed; the wind carried the odor of a dangerous animal. The buffalo rose to its feet, and awaited the arrival of the enemy. With the speed of lighting a tiger sprang into the clearing. "I have not come as an enemy," he said. "I only wish to have something explained. I have been watching you every day from the edge of the forest, and I have observed the strange spectacle of your common labour with the man. That man, that small and vertical being, who has neither great strength nor sharp vision, nor even a keen sense of smell, has been able to keep you in bondage and work for his profit. You are actually ten times heavier than he, much stronger, and more hardened to heavy labour. Yet he rules you. What is the source of his magic power?" "To tell the truth," said the buffalo, "I know nothing about all that. I only know I shall never be freed of his power, for he has a talisman he calls wisdom." "I must ask him about that," said the tiger, "because, you see, if I could get this wisdom I would have even greater power over the other animals. Instead of having to conceal myself and spring on them unawares, I could simply order them to remain motionless. I could choose from among all the animals, at my whim and fancy, the most delicious meats." "Well!" replied the startled buffalo. "Why don't you ask the farmer about his wisdom." The tiger decided to approach the farmer. "Mr Man," he said, "I am big, strong, and quick but I want to be more so. I have heard it said that you have something called wisdom which makes it possible for you to rule over all the animals. Can you transfer this wisdom to me? It would be of great value to me in my daily search for food." "Unfortunately," replied the man, "I have left wisdom at home. I never bring it with me to the fields. But if you like I will go there for it." "May I accompany you?" asked the tiger, delighted with what had just heard. "No, you had better stay here," replied the farmer, "if the villagers see you with me they may become... http://www.billkath.demon.co.uk/cw/howthetiger/howthetiger.html
