Sadly the wolf wandered through the forest, his ears and tail down, all looking at the ground. He didn't even notice the bear coming towards him; only when the bear said hello did he look up in fright:
- Good morning, wolf man.
- "God grant it, mate-bear," said the wolf sadly.
- What's wrong with you? You're as sad as three days of rain!
- Let it go, Mr. Bear, don't ask! Don't you see: my head, my neck, my sides are covered in blood!
- That's right, wolf man! Perhaps you've been in a fight with one of your brothers?
- Not that; not that. I got stuck with the man, but I've been with the man. I was badly battered.
The bear laughed a big laugh.
- Shame on you, wolf man! Is a man something? Well, I wouldn't have enough for half a tooth.
Said the wolf:
- Don't be discouraged, Mr Bear. I tell you, man is the strongest animal in the world. I know because I've tried.
- How so?
- Well, I went to the village to see if I could find some lamb chops. Yes, but the dog spotted me, and in the spirit of brotherhood, betrayed me to his master, the man. At the barking, the master came out, and with some degree or other, he threw me so hard that I could hardly crawl away.
- "I say," insisted the bear, "that I am not enough for half a tooth.
- And I say that man is the strongest animal.
- I would like to see it!
- You can see that!
And the bear took a bush and tore it up, and tore it into pieces.
- Look, wolf man, this is how I would tear a man up.
- I'm sure you are, mate, but a man can't let himself go like a bush.
- Don't let him, I'll tear it up anyway.
- I don't think so, mate.
- No? Let's bet!
- Here's my hand, not a pig's foot!
- Here's my foot, it's not a pig's foot!
They caught a rabbit and hid behind a bush, waiting to see if anyone would come.
As they waited there, waiting, peeping, a child came by.
The bear asks:
- Is it a man, wolf man?
- No.
- Well, what?
- It is yet to become human.
They waited and waited, peeping, and behold, an old beggar came along.
- Is he human?
- No.
- So what if not human?
- It's only been man," said the wolf.
They waited, waited, watched, and behold, suddenly a knight came on his horse.
- What is this? Is it only human?
- He's a man!" said the wolf.
The bear needed no more, he jumped out from behind the bush and stood in the way of the knight.
- "Well, who has a blessing!" cried the knight. I am a soldier of the King!
He could have told the bear, but he didn't go out of his way. Sure enough, if he didn't, the knight drew his double-barrelled pistol from his saddle cape, and - poof poof! - fired twice at the bear.
He hit it both times, but it was like being hit with a stick, the bear didn't move, just shook its fur a little.
- "But stop," the knight said, "and I'll make you stop!
Then he drew his sword, and struck at him with a good sharp sword.
This was just enough for the bear, who ran away with a terrible roar and howl, looking neither at ditch nor bush, running through the forest as if he had been taken for a trash, and not stopping until he reached his den.
It was a long, long time before he got to his feet again and moved out of his cave.
As he walked, he strolled, so who does he meet first? The wolf, of course.
- "Well, mate," said the wolf, "I've won the bet!
- You've won, mate, you have; don't worry, as soon as I get my strength back, I'll give you the rabbit.
- Well, man is the strongest animal, isn't he?
- You are right, wolf man, man is the strongest animal. I never thought he'd make me ugly. Before I knew it, he spat twice between my eyes. Now, that didn't frighten me, but when he pulled out that shiny tongue and started licking me with it, it wasn't half a joke. Shame to run, but useful, I ran away!
(Ágnes Kovács: Folk tales for kindergarten children)
