54 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
in his own element, where they have succeeded in destroy¬ 
ing him. 
Mr. Freeman has supplied a translation of the following 
amusing native fable of a serpent, a young crocodile, and 
a dog: in which, among other things, the origin of the 
crocodile’s hostility to the dog is attempted to be shown. 
A serpent and a young crocodile dwelt in the same part 
of the country. The serpent fixed itself in a tree by the 
water-side; and, underneath the same tree, the young 
crocodile watched for prey. After a time a dog came to 
drink; the crocodile pursued him; down came the serpent, 
to stop the crocodile. 44 What have you to do with me?” said 
the crocodile. — 44 Why, you are seeking to eat every body 
that passes this way,” replied the serpent. — 44 Be quiet,” 
said the crocodile, 44 lest I give you a blow with my tail, 
and cut you in two.”— 44 And pray what are you ?” asked the 
serpent: 44 1 suppose you are thinking that because I have 
neither hands nor feet, I can do nothing; but, perhaps, you 
have not looked at my tail, how sharp it is.”— 44 Cease your 
noise,” replied the crocodile, 44 or I’ll just break you in 
two.” The serpent then becoming excessively angry, struck 
the crocodile with his tail, and wounded his loins so as 
nearly to break his body: all the fish were astonished, and, 
addressing the crocodile, said, 44 How is this, you that 
can conquer people and cattle, however large, and any¬ 
thing else?” The crocodile, ashamed, dived out of sight, 
w r hile the serpent resumed his place on the tree. The 
crocodile, however, hoping to repay him, kept watching for 
prey. After a time, there came a goose to the water; the 
crocodile pursued and got hold of him, when down came the 
serpent to stop him as before. 44 Where are you going?” cried 
the crocodile.— 44 Let that goose alone,” said the serpent, 
44 lest I kill you.” The crocodile replied contemptuously, 
