The Hare and the Lion's Whisker

A woman wanted to win the love of the proud and handsome village chief, but he would not notice her. She went to the medicine-man for a love potion. "I can make one," he said, "but first you must bring me a whisker from a living lion." The woman was terrified, but she was determined. She went to the place where the Lion lived and, from a safe distance, began to sing a soft, sweet song. The Lion was curious but wary. She did this every day. After a while, she started bringing food, leaving a piece of meat for the Lion, each day placing it a little closer to where she sat. The Lion grew used to her and began to look forward to her visits. One day, he came and ate the meat right from her hand. Finally, when she knew she had his complete trust, she gently reached out and said, "Oh, beautiful Lion, may I have just one of your handsome whiskers?" The Lion, calm and trusting, allowed her to pluck one. She ran joyfully to the medicine-man with the whisker. He looked at it and then threw it into the fire. "What have you done!" she cried. The medicine-man smiled. "You do not need a potion," he said. "The skill and patience you used to tame the mighty Lion are the same skills you can use to win the heart of a man. Go and use the same wisdom with the chief."