Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 3 1885.djvu/370

362 went their way. Then the other four came and ate of what was left. Moreover, these eight went off, caused the crow-king and his wife to eat of the food, and thus satisfied the longing of Suphassa.

The food-carrier brought the crow to the king. "Oh! crow, have you not put me to shame, torn the nose of the food-carrier, broken the food-vessels, and cared nought for thy own life? Why have you done such an act as this?"

The crow made answer, "O great king, our sovereign lives near Benares, and I am his minister. Suphassa, as his wife is called, is in the longing way and wishes to eat of your viands. The king informed me of her longing, and I am come here quite prepared to sacrifice my life now that food has been sent to her and my wish has been accomplished. For this reason I have done such a deed;" and therefore, by way of explanation, he spake the following gâthâs:—

When the king heard this he said, "We give to human beings great honour, and yet are not able to secure them as our friends: we give them villages and the rest, and yet do not find one willing to give up his life for us. But this creature, though only a crow, sacrifices his life for his king, like an exceeding good man, pleasant-speaking and just."

He was pleased with the bird's merits and honoured him with a white parasol. The crow-minister presented this to his own sovereign and praised the good qualities of Supatta. The king of Benares sent