THE Moon, it is said, sent once an insect to men, saying, "Go to Men, and tell them, 'As I die, and dying live, so you shall also die, and dying live.'" The insect started with the message, but while on his way was overtaken by the hare, who asked: "On what errand are you bound? "The insect answered: "I am sent by the Moon to men, to tell them that as she dies, and dying lives, they also shall die, and dying live." The hare said, "As you are an awkward runner, let me go." With these words he ran off, and when he reached men, he said, "I am sent by the Moon to tell you, 'As I die, and dying perish, in the same manner you also shall die and come wholly to an end."' Then the hare returned to the Moon, and told her what he had said to men. The Moon reproached him angrily, saying, "Do you dare tell the people a thing which I have not said? With these words she took up a piece of wood, and struck him on the nose. Since that day the hare's nose is slit, but men believe what hare had told them.
[sAfrika's cawbaan peuah]
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