a herdsman who had lost a bullock entreated1 the gods to bring him

the thief, and vowed2 he would sacrifice a goat to them. just then

a lion, his jaws3 dripping with bullock's blood, approached the

herdsman.

"i thank you, good deities," said the herdsman, continuing his

prayer, "for showing me the thief. and now if you will take him

away, i will stand another goat."