A fat donkey worked for a washerman. He was a good and loyal creature, so the washerman let him wander freely in the night to graze. The donkey would return on time in the morning.
During his wanderings at night, the donkey made friends with a jackal who used to creep into the village to steal poultry. The jackal told the donkey that some of the farmers had plots with juicy cucumbers in them. So, the donkey and the jackal went to the farmer’s house: the donkey to eat cucumbers and the jackal to steal poultry.
There was no problem for days. Then one night, there was a full moon. The donkey was musical. He told the jackal that he felt inspired to sing! The jackal was shocked! The donkey was a fool! His braying could not be called singing even by a loving friend.
“No! You mustn’t sing!” said the jackal, hoping the donkey would obey him. “You are not a singer. And we are stealing from the farmer. If he hears you singing, he will wake up and thrash us. So, do keep quiet!”
“What! You think I’m not a musician? I tell you I understand all the details about music! I know the ragas and raginis, and the rhythms and beats. I also know the times at which certain ragas have to be sung,” retorted the donkey.
“Look, you wait till I hide. Then you can sing what you like!” said the jackal. He ran out of the farmer’s field and hid under a bush.
The donkey cleared his throat and began to ‘sing’ at the top of his voice. He thought he was the greatest singer in the world! As the song got louder and louder, the farmer and his neighbours began to wake up. They were furious at the donkey braying at night. Each one picked up a stout stick and ran out to deal with the donkey.
When the donkey saw them coming, he was delighted. He thought he had found a large audience for his great musical talent! So, he brayed even more loudly! The farmers beat him soundly and the poor donkey finally realised his mistake. They took a thick log and tied it to his neck, so he could not run at all. Then they let him out.
The donkey dragged himself homewards, ashamed and limping. On the way, he saw the jackal. “I should have listened to you, friend,” he said, “No more cucumber for me. I think I’ll stick to eating grass and leaves only. Goodbye.” He never again boasted about his musical talents.
