Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/233

PART I

HINDOO FABLES THE FOWLER AND THE PIGEONS

N the banks of the Godavery River there stood a large Silk-cotton-tree to which the birds came at night from all quarters to roost. Now, on a certain night, when the moon was setting behind the western hills and the night was nearly over, a Fowler came and spread his net under the Silk-cotton-tree, scattered a few grains of rice on the ground, and hid himself at a short distance. At this moment the King of the Pigeons, named Speckle-Neck, chanced to be passing through the sky with his companions, and caught sight of the grains of rice. Now, all Pigeons are very fond of rice. Nevertheless, the King of the Pigeons said to his companions:

"How is it possible for rice to be lying on the ground in this untravelled forest? We will inquire into this, of course, but we do not like the look of it. Love of rice may lead to our ruin. We must be very careful."

"Oh, it's all very well to talk of being careful!" rejoined a young and foolish Pigeon. "Being too careful may cost us a good dinner."

At this all the Pigeons flew down to feast upon the rice, and were promptly caught in the net. Immediately they all began to blame the 181