“Crocodile Tears: A Fable of Betrayal and False Treaties”
In the days when animals could still speak, Crocodile held the title of foreman over all water creatures—a position of authority he carries even now. But when drought dries up their river and forces a desperate trek to new waters past a Boer’s farm, Crocodile must negotiate an unprecedented peace treaty with Lion and the veldt animals. Only by working together can both sides survive: the water creatures need safe passage, and the land animals need access to drink without fear of being dragged under or tossed into trees by Elephant.
The treaty talks unfold with all the ceremony and suspicion of diplomatic intrigue. Crocodile weeps tears of joy that drop into the sand, speaks eloquently of their common enemy (the Boer with his steam pumps and rifles), and appeals to reason. Jackal alone remains suspicious—“What security have you that Crocodile will keep his word?”—but is overruled by Wolf (full of fish), Baboon (moved by honest sentiment), and Lion (persuaded by those tears).
The carefully arranged trek proceeds under cover of darkness: Elephant as advance guard, divisions led by Lion and Wolf, water creatures in the middle. But when they reach the sea-cow pools at dawn and Crocodile gives a secret signal, the Boer’s ambush reveals the truth. As shots ring out and animals fall, Jackal’s voice echoes across the water: “I told you so! Why believe Crocodile tears?”
A timeless cautionary tale about trusting those who weep on command, and why “crocodile tears” entered our language as the ultimate symbol of false emotion and calculated betrayal.