Page:Folk-lore of the Telugus.djvu/146

138 Thus soundly rebuked by the mouse, the cat, blushing with shame, addressed the mouse:—

"Truly I swear that to injure a friend is, in my estimation, very censurable. It doth not behove thee, O good friend, to take me for what I am not. I cherish a great friendship for thee in consequence of thy having granted me my life. I am, again, acquainted with the meaning of duty. I am an appreciator of other people's merits. I am very grateful for services received. I am devoted to the service of friends. I am, again, especially devoted to thee. For these reasons, O good friend, it behoveth thee to re-unite thyself with me. O thou that art acquainted with the truths of morality, it behoveth thee not to cherish any suspicion in respect of me."

Then the mouse, reflecting a little, replied with these words of grave import:—"Thou art exceedingly kind. But for all that, I cannot trust thee. I tell thee, O friend, the wise never place themselves, without sufficient reason, in the power of a foe. Having gained his object, the weaker of two parties should