I have crossed the river between good and evil, I have eaten monkey flesh, but before I became what I am I was a monkey just like you. I lived a simple life. I had a simple family. I did the right thing when I could, and I never cheated anyone. But when the tiger came it didn’t care what kind of monkey I was.
I threw stones at the tiger, the stones didn't hurt him. I hid in my hovel, the tiger knocked down the door. I climbed up a tree, the tiger pushed the tree over.
When there was no place left to hide I jumped on the tiger's back, and there I was safe from his teeth and claws.
Furious, the tiger walked towards the pond at the end of our fields. My children were there.
“My lord, stop!” I said, “Take my chickens, take my pigs, only leave my children be.”
The tiger didn’t stop. The pond was almost in sight.
My words came out before I knew what I was saying, “Wait! There are richer villages than this, and their monkeys are better to eat than we are. I will show you where they live, and when I call to them they will come. Spare me and my kin, lord, and your feast will never end.”
The tiger stopped. He turned his huge head to look at me. Then, slowly, he turned around. The deal was done.
Since then the tiger went from village to village, and I did what I promised. I couldn't stop the tiger and I couldn't get off, what else is there to do but to join him? I did what I had to do, and in time I learned to like it. To survive in hell I became a devil.
I am beyond pity and I don’t want it. But tell me, hero, what would you have done?
