he would have bought as many lessons from the old man
as he had oxen laden with gold.
Three days after their arrival under the trees,
the afternoon that the old man left them,
Demburou and Hamtudo declared together:
“Hammadi, let's get up and leave
before another devil, more slippery
than your latest master, comes to impose
lessons that are even costlier
than his were.
We can do without that!
We have no need of such eminent knowledge,
nor are we after wise maxims.”
Hammadi answered:
“Friends, I beseech you by our friendship,
be patient; don't travel at night, the rainy season is upon us.”
The stars attested to it that night, predicted it,
and the sky was furrowed in every direction
with parallel tracings, undeniable witnesses.
“Don't forget, the little old man of your jokes,
the hunchback you laughed about,
told me, ‘Never travel in the evening during the rainy season!’
What cost me an ox laden with gold,
I offer you now, from brotherly love,
common companionship, and acquired awareness.
I know that human nature is greedy
and prefers to hoard, rather than share.
I abhor being one of those who hide
the wealth bestowed by Geno, pretending to have nothing.
Follow my advice, wait until tomorrow morning.
Then the time will come to answer our vow.
Together we came here, together we shall leave.”
Hamtudo said:
“Since you have nothing to transport, little matter to you
whether we leave tonight, tomorrow morning, or next year.
Demburu added:
“Oh you, new source of knowledge
hewn out of a rock, you would have us wait