Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 3 1885.djvu/361

 FOLK-TALES OF INDIA. 353

That money the king also handed over to his ministers, and then went oflf to the abode of the parrot. On calling out " Parrot! " the bird came forth and saluted the king, saying, " Sire, perhaps I may now be allowed to bring the rice." The king made answer, " When IVe need of it you shall bring it to me. Come, let us depart."

Then he carried away with him those three creatures along with the seventy kotis of gold. When he reached the city he ascended the main floor at the entrance of the palace and deposited the money in a safe place. He next caused a golden tube to be made for the snake's abode, a crystal cave for the rat, and a golden cage for the parrot.

As food for the snake and parrot he caused to be prepared daily — fresh parched grain in a golden dish, and fragrant husked rice for the rat. He also performed meritorious alms-deeds. And so these four individuals lived together in peace and harmnoy as long as life lasted, and at their death passed away to be rewarded according to their deeds.

The Virocana Jataka.* The conceited Jackal.

In days of yore, when Brahmadatta reigned at Benares, the Bod- hisat was reborn in the Himfdaya regions as a maned lion, and took up his abode in the Koiicana cave.

One day he left his cave, roused himself up, looked all around, and roared a lion's roar as he prowled about in search of food. Having killed a great buffalo and eaten its flesh, he entered a lake and drank his fill of the water that looked as clear as crystal. Then he made his way to his cave.

At that time a certain jackal, prowling about somewhat hurriedly in search of food, espied the lion ; and unable to make his escape he fell down and lay at the lion's feet.

master, to wait upon you and follow you at heel," he replied.
 * ' Why do you do this, jackal ? " asked the lion. " I desire,

• Jataka Booh, vol. i. No. 143, p. 491.

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