Soon the washerman’s donkey began to look plump and healthy. He was not exhausted carrying his master’s loads on his rounds. The farmer to whom the corn fields belonged was not very happy. He would find his corn had been grazed every day. He began to keep watch at night, holding a stout cudgel. Soon […]
A washerman named Vilasa lived in Hastinapura. He had a donkey who carried his heavy loads. But the washerman never had enough to feed him. So, the poor donkey became weak. One day, Vilasa found a tiger’s skin lying on a road while he was on his rounds. He picked it up and then, slowly,
In a huge lake, there lived three big fish. They were close friends. The first one believed in fate. The second one was intelligent and knew there’s a solution to every problem. The third one was wise and could anticipate trouble beforehand. One day, the wise fish overheard a fisherman talking to another. “This lake
“There’s no point talking sense to stupid people, Sir,” said Long-Bill. He said the birds were very angry and pecked at him for daring to criticise their king. The crane, however, defended his words in praise of his own king and his kingdom. The soldiers of Jewel Plume abused him. But still, the crane held
The monkeys had been listening to the birds’ whispering among themselves and soon they caught the whispers. They were very upset and angry hearing the birds mocking them. “They are so proud of their nests! We’ll show them!” decided the vengeful monkeys. They waited for the rain to stop. Then they sat together and wondered
A shalmali tree stood on the banks of a canal flowing down to the Narmada river. In its hollows, weaver birds had nested, protected from the cold and rains. One day, a storm broke out. A troop of monkeys came to the tree looking for shelter from the downpour. The birds looked at the monkeys
One day, a fox was roaming in search of food. After a while, he saw a peacock perched high on a tree. “How can I have this peacock for lunch? I cannot climb up the tree,” he thought. The fox was cunning. He said to the peacock, “Don’t you know there was a meeting of
Silver Plume was given royal treatment by the birds. They even made a throne of lotus leaves for him. One day, a crane called Long-Bill came from a far-off land. The King welcomed him and asked him what the news was in other countries. “Lots of news, my Lord!” exclaimed Long-Bill, “I was on Jambudweep,
When they had learnt the wisdom of selecting the right friends, moving away from bad friends and how to recognise deceitful friends, the Princes asked Vishnu Sharma to teach them about war. The revered old teacher said he would tell them about war through the story of the Swans and the Peacocks. The Swans and
“I wonder who has been telling the King bad things about me and caused him to be angry,” Hefty talking to himself, quite unaware that he was speaking to the wily jackal who had caused the dispute. Then he said bravely, “If I must die, then I’ll go down fighting,” said Hefty. “Yes, that’s how
“The truth? What about?” asked Hefty, thoroughly puzzled. “The King was so fond of you,” said Damanaka, “But his heart has changed.” “What do you mean, changed?” asked Hefty. “The king is against you, Hefty,” continued Damanaka, “He wants to kill you and eat you up. I should not tell you this, but, after all,
“We should know who the friends are. Can they stand behind the enemy?” advised Damanaka. “If Hefty were to come to you with his head lowered as if to gore you, then you would know he is your enemy, wouldn’t you?” said Damanaka. When the king agreed, Damanaka went to Hefty, looking worried. “What is
A couple of tittibha birds arrived on the shore of an ocean. The wife was not happy to build her nest there. “At high tide the sea will sweep away our eggs,” she told her husband. The husband, however, insisted that it would be safe. So, they built their nest and the wife laid her
Damanaka went and bowed low to the Lion King. He spoke very sweetly to him and said he had come to give him some news but he was afraid to speak. “It is something that will cause you much pain, but you must know about it,” said Damanaka, posing as a humble servant. The king
“I’ve heard the story. But what’s your plan?” enquired Mrs Crow. “The king’s son comes every day to bathe at the ghat. He keeps his clothes and ornaments on the bank while he bathes. You must pick the golden anklet up and fly back with it,” advised Mr Crow. “What use is the Prince’s anklet