The Story of the Rooster's Comb and Why He Now Lives with Man.
by Tony Devaney Morinelli
Cast 6
Griot 1
Griot 2
Lion
Rooster
Lioness
Lion Cub
Griot 1. There was once a time in the forest when it was not Rooster who feared Lion but rather Lion who feared
Rooster.
Griot 2: Indeed, every time Lion went out to hunt, it was the law of the Rooster that he should also bring back a great
number of fat and juicy bugs for Rooster to eat.
Griot 1: Rooster did not himself care for the hunt that Lion kept for himself.
Rooster: Lion, I see that you are going hunting. When you have killed your prey, do not forget to also return with a
great many fat and juicy bugs that I may eat for my supper.
Lion: I will not forget sir Rooster. I will have my great kill, but you shall have your bugs.
Rooster: Be sure then not to forget or you will know the heat of the burning flame upon my head.
Griot 1: Now Rooster had tricked Lion and all the other animals of the forest into thinking that the bright red comb upon
his head was indeed a flickering flame.
Lion: (returning from the hunt) Behold Rooster, I have made my kill,I have caught me a deer. But I have also brought
you your fat and juicy bugs. For I would not have you burn me with that flickering flame upon your head.
Rooster: You are wise Lion and it is good that you know your place.
That you know that I am ruler, and you are my servant.
Griot 1; Yes, my friends. In those days it was Rooster who was king and Lion was his servant,
Griot 2 : But, Oh, how foolish was Lion! How sly was Rooster.
Griot 1: And that was the way of many long years ago.
Griot 2: But, now one day it happened that Lion and his mate were in their lodge.
Griot 1: And on that day, Lion and his mate and their little cub had no fire.
Lioness: Look husband, our fire has gone out. How now shall we make a new one?
Lion: Perhaps I must go to man, and steal it in the night. For surely he will not give it on his own.
Lioness: No, my husband. I fear that might be a great danger. Man is a clever thing and might catch you in his trap
and kill you with his spear.
Lion: Where then shall we find fire, wife?
Cub: Perhaps father, we might ask Rooster?
Lioness: Rooster?
Cub: I would bring a sprig of short dry grass and ask that I might touch it to the flickering flame above his head.
Lion: Do you think Rooster would grant this?
Lioness: You have always been a good servant to him husband and we would not take away his flame, but only ask to
light a spark.
Lion: But here, take with you some fat and juicy bugs to sweeten his generosity.
Griot 1: And so the young cub took the bugs and went to Rooster’s hut. But when he came to the door….
Cub: Rooster, good Rooster are you at home? I have brought you bugs both fat and juicy.
Griot 2: But Rooster made no answer.
Griot 1: And so Cub took a step inside the door.
Cub: Rooster, good Rooster, are you at home? I have brought you bugs both fat and juicy.
Griot 2: But Rooster did not answer for he was fast asleep and snoring loudly with a mighty full belly from all the grubs
he had eater that noon.
Cub: Rooster, good Rooster, awake from your sleep for I have brought you bugs both fat and juicy.
Griot 1: But Rooster did not stir but snored all the louder.
Cub: Perhaps, if I touch my sprigs of dry grass to the flickering flame upon his head I will have my fire without having to
ask.
Griot 2: So Cub went softly by to Rooster’s comb and set the grass against the brilliant red that glowed on Rooster's
head.
Griot 1; But the grass, of course, did not light. Then said the lion cub.
Cub: Perhaps, if I blow gently upon it.
Griot 2: And Cub blew gently but still it did not light.
Cub: What strange fire is this that does not burn?
Griot 1: And then with great daring…..
Cub: Let me touch it with my paw.
Griot 2: And so he touched Rooster’s comb.
Cub: This is no fire. This is no flame. What is this trick that Rooster has played.
Griot 1: And so Cub went home to his father.
Cub: Father, father, come see what I have found. Rooster has no flame upon his head but only a fluttering red ruff with
which he has tricked us.
Griot 2: So Lion went with Cub and they found Rooster still fast asleep.
Cub: Look father ( Cub touches the comb) There is no flame.
Lion: Rooster, Rooster, awake from your sleep. What is this trick you have played?
Rooster: Who wakes me from my lazy sleep. Ah, Lion ! Beware, or I will scorch you with this fire that glows upon my
head.
Lion: Your trick is done Rooster. You have no fire. You have no flame. But only a fluttering red ruff upon your head.
Rooster: Who told you this? Beware!
Griot 1: Then Lion grabbed Rooster by the comb upon his head.
Lion: Now, Rooster, no more will we bring bugs for you, but you will become for every lion, his evening meal: a tasty
treat!
Griot 2: And this is why…
Griot 1: To this very day….
Griot 2. That Rooster lives with man…
Griot 1: Where he will have protection from Lion and his cubs.