137. The Bushbuck and the Goat

Bushbuck and Goat used to be friends.

"You should stay with me," Bushbuck told Goat. "Leave the village! Come live in the forest!"

"Death stalks this forest," Goat replied. "Sooner or later the humans will catch you. Then they will skin you and eat you."

Bushbuck just laughed. "You're a fool, Goat!" he said as he bounded back into the depths of the forest.

But Goat was right about what would happen: hunters killed Bushbuck, and when they carried his body into the village, Goat mocked him. "Who's the fool now, Bushbuck?" he said. "Look at me: I'm still alive!"

[a Mongo story from the Congo]

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Inspired by: "The Buck and the Goat" in Mongo proverbs and fables by E. A. Ruskin, 1921.
Notes: You can read the original story online.

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