THE ANIMALS' WINTER QUARTERS
Once an Ox was wandering in the wood, and a Ram met him. "Where are you going, Ram?" asked the Ox.
"I am seeking summer in winter," answered the Ram.
"Come with me."
So they went together. And they met a Pig.
"Where are you going, Pig?" asked the Ox.
"I am seeking summer in winter."
"Come with us."
So they all went together. And they then met a Goose.
"Where are you going, Goose?" said the Bull.
"I am seeking summer in winter," said the Goose.
"Well, come with us."
So the Goose came with them. So they went on, and they met a Cock.
"Where are you going, Cock?" asked the Bull.
"I am seeking summer in winter."
"Then come with us," said the Bull again.
So they went on their road and way, and began speaking amongst each other. "What shall we do, brothers and comrades? the cold time is approaching: how shall we have warmth?"
So the Ox said, We will build an izba,[1] and we shall not freeze during the winter."
Then the Ram said: "My shúba is very warm; I will pass the winter in this fashion."
Then the Pig said, "I do not mind any frost whatso-
- ↑ Hut.
256
