Among the peoples of the East, there is an ancient custom, following which men prick the image of a predatory animal on their body in order to gain strength, dexterity and courage.
One day a young man came to the barber:
“I want to get a tattoo,” he said.
- What should I paint on your shoulder, hero? - the barber asked him.
- An angry lion! - he answered. - Yes, something that would make everyone gasp. I want strength and courage to not leave me and luck to accompany me everywhere.
The barber got to work.
- Oh, what are you doing to me? - the “hero” howled in pain.
“I’m drawing a lion, as you ordered me, and I’ve already started drawing the tail.”
- I don't need a tail! Leave it! What's the use of it? — the “hero” begged.
And the master again set to work with inspiration and zeal.
- Ay! What are you doing, ruthless?
“Head and mane,” answered the barber.
- No need for mane. Time with her. Oh, tormentor, start from another place!
The barber patiently continued his work.
- What pain! - the “martyr” moaned. - Barber, what are you doing there?!
- I prick the lion's belly.
- Listen, why does he need a belly? The lion's fury is not in the stomach. Draw something different!
- Where have you seen a lion without a belly, tail and mane, unfortunate one? - exclaimed the barber. - Go home! Only one who is seasoned in patience and whose soul is free from carnal bonds is fit to carry furious lions on himself!
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru