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 Rh nature of this fruit than it said to the other Beak, "Miserable, treacherous creature! I have found without seeking it the fruit of a poisonous tree. I am going to eat it in order to punish your selfishness!"

The first Beak replied, "You poor fool! Don't do that, for if you do we shall both perish. Forgive my selfishness and I promise I will never be unfair to you again." But even while he still spoke the other Beak ate the poisonous fruit, and soon afterwards both Beaks were dead.

(Panchatantra. Vol. V. Chapter 14.)

THE BRAHMAN SAVED BY A CRAB

N a certain spot there once dwelt a Brahman named Brahmadatta, who was about to set forth for another village on some important business. His mother said to him:

"My son, why go on this long journey alone? Find some friend, I beg of you, to take as a companion on your way."

"Mother," replied the Brahman, "have no fear; the road is not dangerous. Besides, my business is so important that I must start to-day, even though I go alone."

When the Brahman's mother saw that he had made up his mind, she procured a Crab from a nearby pond and said to her son:

"My dear son, if you absolutely must go to-day this Crab will serve as a companion. Take good care of it, and go your way."

Out of respect for his mother the Brahman took the Crab, placed it in a parcel of camphor, dropped the parcel into the bag with his money, and set off in haste. But presently, as he walked on and on, he began to suffer from the heat. Coming to a tree by the wayside he stretched himself comfortably in its shade and fell asleep.