Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/163

Rh &quot;That was indeed most kind,&quot; said the ox.

&quot;I then found that as soon as the snake revived it wanted to strangle me. Please decide whether that was right, and if not kindly order the snake to release its hold on me and to depart in peace.&quot;

&quot;Now, Master Snake, what hast thou to say for thyself?&quot;

&quot;Yes, I admit that this good man speaks the truth. But I am quite right in trying to kill him."

&quot;How so?&quot;

&quot;Because it is written in God's Book: 'I will put hatred between mankind and the serpent.

&quot;Now,&quot; said the ox, &quot;I have duly heard both sides. I find that the snake is in the right. It makes no difference that thou hast done it a good service and in return it kills thee. The world always returns evil for good. That is the way of life as far as I know it. Just see how I fare at the hands of my master. I work for him in his field from sunrise to sunset. At night I am shut up in a cold shed with a little hay and some oats for my food. My master sits in his cozy room with a lovely bright fire to warm him. He has a nice supper of fine fish and good meat. He even drinks sweet wine whereas I only get cold water. He sleeps in a clean soft bed whilst I have not even a coverlet over my back. In a year or two when I am no longer able to work in the field he will sell me to the butcher who will kill me."