Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/108

88 You always think you must have everything you fancy. Listen to your old father, I advise you to stay where you are. If you try to peck out his eyes, he will catch hold of you and kill you. Be wise and do not look for trouble."

Samuel understood the whole conversation, not a word escaped him. He felt very thankful to King Leviathan for the precious knowledge he had imparted to him. He thought that the little crow would follow his father's advice. He listened and then heard the little bird say,—

"I am going to eat the eyes of that man, even if I risk my life in the attempt."

Away it flew and came nearer and nearer to Samuel. No sooner had it placed its little feet upon his forehead than he caught hold of it in his hand. He then sat up, intending to twist its neck for being so disobedient to its father. The old crow saw this and flew to the ground and turning to the little bird said,—

"It would just serve you right, you wicked and disobedient child. You never will listen to me when I tell you what you should do and what you should not do."

The old bird then turned to Samuel and said,—

"If you spare my naughty child's life, I will give you a great treasure, which will make you as rich as King Herod. You will always be wealthy and you will be able to enjoy life."