TWO SOLDIERS traveling together were set upon by a Robber. The one fled away; the other stood his ground and defended himself with his stout right hand. The Robber being slain, the timid companion ran up and drew his sword, and then, throwing back his traveling cloak said, “I’ll at him, and I’ll take care he shall learn whom he has attacked.” On this, he who had fought with the Robber made answer, “I only wish that you had helped me just now, even if it had been only with those words, for I should have been the more encouraged, believing them to be true; but now put up your sword in its sheath and hold your equally useless tongue, till you can deceive others who do not know you. I, indeed, who have experienced with what speed you run away, know right well that no dependence can be placed on your valor.”
連れ立って旅をしていた二人の兵士が、追いはぎに襲われた。一人は逃げ出し、もう一人はその場に踏みとどまって、たくましい右腕で身を守った。追いはぎが殺されると、臆病な連れが駆け寄ってきて剣を抜き、旅のマントをはね上げて言った。「おれがやっつけてやる。だれを襲ったのか、思い知らせてやるぞ。」これを聞いて、追いはぎと戦った兵士は答えた。「さっき、たとえその言葉だけでも、きみが加勢してくれていたらよかったのにね。そうすれば、本当だと思って、ぼくはいっそう勇気づけられただろうから。でも今は、剣をさやに収めて、その同じように役に立たない舌も引っこめておいてくれ。きみのことを知らないほかの人たちをだませるようになるまではね。きみがどんなに素早く逃げ出すかを身をもって知ったぼくには、きみの勇気がまったく当てにならないことがよくわかっているんだよ。」