Leading from the Middle

"(Why) are you running so fast, gossip, without ever looking back?" a Marmot asked a Fox.
"Oh, my friend, my dear gossip, I have had a calumnious accusation brought against me, and I have been dismissed as an extortioner.
You know, I was the judge of the poultry yard.
In that position I lost my health and my peace of mind.
From the press of business, I never had time to get a comfortable meal, and at nights I could not sleep soundly.
And now, in return for this, I have incurred the wrath of my employers, and all on account of a calumny.
Only just think ‘Who in the world shall be without reproach’, if calumnies are listened to?
I, an extortioner!
Do they suppose I've gone out of my mind?
Now, I appeal to you, have you ever seen that I took part in that wickedness?
Think the matter over; reflect on it well."
“No, gossip, no; but I have often remarked that there was some down on your muzzle.” (Emphasis added)

Krylov explains: Many an official complains that he is forced to spend every ruble he has; and all the town knows that, originally, he had nothing, and that he got nothing with his wife.
But see! little by little he builds a house; he buys an estate. Now, in what manner can you reconcile his salary with his
expenditure?
Although you can prove nothing against him legally, yet you will not be committing a sin if you say, "That fellow has down on his muzzle."
____________
And, I, your dear gossip, will add to those downy muzzles most assuredly some of our politicians, once penniless, now millionaires several times over.
Pontificate a time or two and pick up several hundred thousand dollars.
Allow your name to decorate an university advisory board and, voila!, another million zips into your bank account.
Or, listen eagerly while you are on a financial committee and share a little information with your stock broker – you know, a winking hint or two over drinks (or a joint) about what stock is likely to go boom after pending legislation.
And so on.
Not to mention those delightful intangibles of zero interest loans and fun-filled weeks, all expenses paid, in Bali.

*Source: Krilof and his fables, by Krylov, Ivan Andreevich, 1768-1844; Ralston, William Ralston Shedden, 1828-1889. Tr. London, 1869

My un-downy muzzled book, Fables for Leaders, is available. Click on the image and order up!

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Buy here.


© Copyright commentary by John Lubans 2023