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Here, then, begins Book IV, called "Loss of Gains." The first verse runs:

"How was that?" asked the princes. And Vishnusharman told the story of

THE MONKEY AND THE CROCODILE

On the shore of the sea was a great rose-apple tree that was never without fruit. In it lived a monkey named Red-Face.

Now one day a crocodile named Ugly-Mug crawled out of the ocean under the tree and burrowed in the soft sand. Then Red-Face said: "You are my guest, sir. Pray eat these rose-apples which I throw you. You will find them like nectar. You know the proverb:

A fool or scholar let him be, Pleasant or hideous to see, A guest, when offerings are given, Is useful as a bridge to heaven.

Ask not his home or education, His family or reputation,