Page:Folk-lore of the Telugus.djvu/122

114 jackal was pleased at the sight and thought that his object was gained. So he went up to the deer, who said:—'Friend, come quick and cut the net.' The jackal said:—"This is the holy day of Munisvara. How can I touch animal sinew on a fast day ? Any other day I am at your service.' Night came on. The crow missing the deer came to look for him and asked him what had happened. 'This comes,' he answered, 'of trusting a false friend.' Meanwhile the farmer came up, and the crow said:—'He comes like another Yama, and we must act at once. Do as I tell you. Spread out your legs and feign to be dead.' The deer followed his advice, and when the farmer loosed him from the net the crow gave a caw and the deer escaped. Just then the jackal came up in hopes of a meal; but the farmer, vexed at his mishap, killed him with a blow of his cudgel. He that digs a pit for others falls in himself."

When he heard this tale, Laghupathanaka said to Hiranayaka:—"This is foolish talk. Accept me as your friend like Chitragriva."