Page:Tales of the Punjab.pdf/129

Rh upon a time a tiger was caught in a trap.He tried in vain to get out through the bars, and rolled and bit with rage and grief when he failed.

By chance a poor Brâhman came by. 'Let me out of this cage, o pious one!' cried the tiger.

'Nay, my friend, 'replied the Brâhman mildly, 'you would probably eat me if I did.'

'Not at all!' swore the tiger with many oath; 'on the contrary, I should be for ever grateful, and serve you as a slave!'

Now when the tiger sobbed and sighed and wept and swore, the pious Brâhman's heart softened, and at last he consented to open the door of the cage.Out popped the tiger, and, seizing the poor man, cried, 'What a fool you are!What is to prevent my eating you now, for after being cooped up so long I am just terribly hungry!'

In vain the V pleaded for his life; the most he could gain was a promise to abide by the decision of the first three things he chose to question as to the justice of the tiger's action.

So the Brâhman first asked a pipal tree what it thought of the matter, but the pipal tree replied coldly.