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JAIN JOURNAL
The Blind Men and the Elephant
It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined, Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind), That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.
The First approached the Elephant,
And happening to fall Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl : "God bless! but the Elephant
Is very like a wall !"
The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, “Ho ! what have we here So very round and smooth and sharp ?
To me 'tis mighty clear The wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear !"
The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake : “I see", quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a Snake !"
The Fourth reached out an eager hand,
And felt about the knee. "What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain," quoth he : "Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree !"
The Fifth who chanced to touch the ear,
Said : "E'en the blindest man Can tell what this resembles most :
Deny the fact who can, This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan !"
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