The Leopard's Spotted Coat

Originally, the Leopard had a plain, dull, yellow coat. He was very vain and wanted to be the most beautiful animal in the forest. He went to the Hare, who was a famous painter and artist. "Friend Hare," said the Leopard, "I want a new coat. Paint me one that will make all the other animals gasp in awe." The Hare agreed. He told the Leopard to lie down and be very still. The Hare made a special paint from charcoal and berry juice. He began to paint beautiful, intricate dark spots all over the Leopard's coat. The Leopard was impatient. "Are you finished yet?" he kept asking. "A masterpiece takes time," the Hare replied calmly. Finally, the Hare was done. He held up a polished river stone as a mirror. The Leopard saw his reflection and was overcome with joy. His new spotted coat was more beautiful than he could have imagined. However, the Hare had a warning. "This paint is magical. It will only stay if you are humble. If you become too proud, it will wash away." But the Leopard did not listen. He strutted through the forest, roaring about his beauty, and the first time it rained, the spots all washed off, leaving him plain again. And that is why, it is said, the leopard must always seek shelter from the rain, to protect the beauty that was given to him with a warning he chose to ignore.