John, Disciple of Abba Paul

They said of Abba John, the disciple of Abba Paul, that he had great obedience. There were tombs in a certain place, and a hyena lived there. The elder saw cow dung around that place and told John to go and bring it. John said, “And what shall I do, Abba, about the hyena?” The elder said jokingly, “If it comes at you, tie it up and bring it here.” So the brother went there in the evening, and behold, the hyena came at him. In accordance with the elder’s word, he rushed to catch it, but the hyena fled. Chasing it, he said, “My Abba told me to tie you up.” He caught it and bound it. The elder was anxious and sat waiting for him. Then John came, leading the hyena bound. When the elder saw it, he marveled. But wanting to humble John, he struck him and said, “Fool, have you brought me a foolish dog here?” The elder immediately untied the hyena and let it go.