THE FABULOUS POEM OF THE PRIEST ZwINGLI CONCERN-ING AN OX AND MANY OTHER ANIMALS, REFERRING
To Current Events (Autumn 1510)
SHALL tell you of a garden fenced in and protected by a strong hedge, having high hills in one place, and in another are heard rivers flowing by. Here dwells a stout ox of beautiful red colour, a hairy, fine forehead, a broad chest, and large horns. From his neck hangs down the fine flesh. This ox feeds on the green grass from the garden, and if he becomes thirsty he drinks the cold water, and thus in beastly fashion is well provided for. He is hated only by blind fortune, which enviously desires nothing sweet to be without bitterness. It ordered cats to join themselves to this ox, and they are the sly keepers of the ox and by them alone is he led in all matters (thus there were at one time three sisters, who between them had only one eye, and this Medusa possessed). By the side of the ox there is always present also a faithful dog, by the name of Lycisca, who makes known to the ox the treacherous plans of the animals, in order that he might the more readily frustrate the plans with the aid of the Fauns, whom rightly he honoured in his heart, whereby he always remained in good health. Even though the lion attacked him and roared cruelly, and many other animals, both large and small, he attacked them all boldly, so that badly gored they were hardly able to regain their lair. Thus the ox came out
of every battle unconquered. Since then the other animals could do nothing with blows or with words. We shall see how then this ox was duped. Soon the leopard slyly, according to his wont, came to the ox. He praises the deed of the ox and the glory of it and says that were the ox to make a reputation for himself also in a foreign land no one else would equal him. He bribes the cats with large presents (the highest aim of the cats), that they might not cease until the ox had entered into an alliance with the leopard. Then the dog protested loudly, but without avail, for the ox is drawn by the cats. When then the leopard had brought the stupid ox by means of deceit into his league, he leads him now here, now there, far, far away. Thus the poor ox was betrayed by the cats, so that he considered it his duty to aid the leopard by his strength and diligent labour. He receives small and great injuries, blows, sword-strokes, in short acts as an anvil, and that the leopard may become wealthy, he is even ready to nourish a serpent. When the lion perceived the good fortune of the leopard, he hurried to the ox and addressed him, first having put aside his tail and mane. He tells the ox how anxious he is to enjoy his company, and asked him in friendly fashion to join him of his own free will and not forced thereto. The ox immediately told this to the cats. The latter said: “Comrade” (in order that they might not lose the favour and bribes of Sir Leopard), ‘ have patience; for it is an uncertain matter to trust that chap, though he is a king and great lord; but rather remove yourself far from him. If he should ever be in need of food he would attack you. You see his lean face and hungry mouth; therefore be warned in time and let him be.” The ox was obedient and informed the lion that he would not accept his alliance. This angered the lion and he went about roaring, raging, and thinking how he might harm this ox. He bethinks himself that no friendship can flourish which is founded on selfish interests. Since then the leopard had won the ox over for selfish reasons, he would speedily let him go again if it
suited his purposes. Therefore the lion goes to the lair of the leopard and complains to him and relates his trouble. He requests aid from the leopard, though the latter had always despised him and had often injured him by robbing women and the like. This all should now be forgotten, providing their league would have a good reason. Soon the alliance was made and soon all animals were to be frightened. They soon came to the quarters of the fox and with their sharp claws wounded him badly, and their desire was to drive him away entirely from all his dens. The fox went to the keeper, limping along on three legs, and complained to him of his deep wounds and of the robbery, and he begged favour on condition that he would return all the fowls which he had ever taken treacherously from him; therefore he asked favour. The herdsman, though he had been injured on several occasions by the fox, forgets all this, and promises him aid and comfort in putting an end to the anger of the leopard and the lion. He hurries to the ox and asks him in mild fashion for aid, and says that he is suffering from the allies of the ox, that they were attacking his cattle and sheep and, dressed in lamb’s clothing, were butchering everywhere. He does not mention the fox at all, of whom perhaps he was thinking most. After much exhortation the ox willingly bows to the wish of the herdsman. The dog barks for joy. He was greatly pleased at this turn of affairs, which gnawed at the heart of the cats and caused them great pain. Often they looked mournfully in the direction of the leopard. When the ox noticed this, he turned about slightly again; but hurrying along he put an end to the delay. When the allies perceived this, they at once declared that they would make war against the ox, unless he immediately gave up his alliance with the keeper; their object being to draw down upon the ox even the hatred of the keeper, so that the ox deserted by all would be lost and would be devoured by them.
There was present a ram, who had a lock of hair on his chin, and hence assumes the position of a learned and wise
man, though in reality he has little of learning or wisdom. He says: “1 believe the ox will be ruined on account of the way he acts; unless the herdsman protects him with his staff, or the league of the leopard and lion is dissolved, or the leopard again gives presents. But in the latter case the shepherd is to be feared. “The net is spread and everything prepared. I shall be taught by the fall, to eat the green herbs and to resist all bribes and presents; for where bribes have free play, there liberty cannot continue to exist. Liberty is such a blessing that one reads the Spartans said to Hydarnes that they would fight for it not only with spears but also with axes. But where bribes besiege the hearts of animals, all friendship, liberty, and faithful alliance is despised.”
Meaning of This Poem
By herdsman I mean the Pope, by dog the clergy, while by lion I mean the Roman king; the French king is represented by the leopard, and the common people by the ox. Who were the cats?—Well, whoever is angry should await his opportunity.
[The general of Xerxes in the third war of the Persians against the]
[Greeks.]
It
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