The Hare and the Lion's Illness

The Lion, the king of the animals, was very sick. His diviner told him that the only cure was the heart of a living hare. The Lion sent his fastest messengers to capture uNogwaja the Hare. The Hare was caught and brought before the king. Knowing he was to be killed, uNogwaja thought quickly. "Great King," he said, "I am honored to give my heart to save you. But you must know that I am a great magician, and I keep my heart not in my body, but in a special place for safekeeping. It is buried under the great muwuyu tree on the far hill. Let me go and fetch it for you." The proud Lion, who had never heard of such a thing, was intrigued and believed him. He let the Hare go. Of course, the Hare ran and never returned. The Lion was left to suffer his illness, having been outsmarted by the quick-witted Hare, who had used the Lion's own desperation to save his life.