Observations placeholder

Gentling the Bull –  Catching the Bull

For the first time today he encountered the bull that for so long had been hiding in the wilderness. But his pleasantly familiar wilderness still attracts the bull strongly. He yearns for the sweet-smelling grass and is difficult to hold. Stubborn self-will rages in him and wild animal-nature rules him. If the herdsman wants to make the bull really gentle, he must discipline him with the whip.

1
With great effort the herdsman succeeded in catching the bull.
But stubborn, wilful and strong, this bull is not easily gentled!
At times he breaks out and climbs up to the high plains,
Or rushes down into foggy marshlands to hide himself there.
2
Hold the rein tight and do not let go.
Many of the subtlest faults are not yet up-rooted.
No matter how gently the herdsman pulls at the nose-rope,
The bull may still rear and try to bolt back to the wild.
3
Though caught where the sweet-scented grass reaches sky-high,
The herdsman must not let go of the rein tied to the bull's nose.
Though the way home beckons clearly already,
The herdsman must often halt with the bull, by the blue stream or on the green mountain.