Page:Folk-lore of the Telugus.djvu/66

 XXVII.

KEEP TO YOUR PROMISE. There lived at Dharapura a Brahman, who went one day into the forest to gather some fruits and flowers. At this juncture, a tiger came there, and the Brahman, becoming afraid, tried to make his escape. The tiger, however, pursued and overtook him. In this sad predicament, the Brahman begged him to spare his life for three days, that he might return home, settle his affairs, and take leave of his family. The tiger asked him what was to be done in the event of his not returning. He replied, there was no fear, for he would take his oath to return. The tiger having consented, he returned home disconsolate, and after employing the three days in settling his affairs and taking leave of his family, he arrived at the prescribed time, at the place where he had appointed to meet the tiger, who was so pleased at his veracity that he allowed him to depart uninjured.

Thus a person who keeps up to his word is always respected.