The Laborer and the Snake

A snake had made its den close to the porch of a cottage, where it inflicted a mortal bite on the Cottager's infant son. Grieving over this tragic loss, the father resolved to kill the snake. The following day, when the snake emerged from its hole in search of food, he picked up his axe. However, in his haste, he swung too quickly and missed the snake's head, instead severing only the tip of its tail.

After some time, the Cottager began to fear that the snake would bite him as well. In an attempt to make peace, he placed some bread and salt at the entrance of the snake's hole. The snake, hissing slightly, replied, "There can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever I see you, I shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you see me, you will be reminded of the death of your son."

This encounter serves as a reminder that no one truly forgets injuries in the presence of the one who caused them.