Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 3 1885.djvu/83

Rh made a "sand-tope, did honour to it by offerings of divers kinds of flowers, and mourned and bewailed their loss.

At last the partridge said to them, "Why are you lamenting in this fashion?"

They replied, "Our teacher died, even before we had attained to proficiency in our studies, and that's the reason of our bitter lamentation."

"Well, since it can't be helped don't go on grieving about it. I'll teach you the art of reciting the Vedas," &c., said the partridge.

"But what do you know about it?" they asked.

"Whilst the teacher was instructing you I merely listened, and so learned by heart the three Vedas," answered the partridge.

"Well then," said they, "make us to know them by heart as perfectly as you yourself do."

"Well then, listen," replied the partridge.

He not only taught them to recite the Vedas, but he also expounded to them the text section by section; 'twas like coming down from the summit of a mountain to the brink of a river.

Glad and joyful were the young students, and under that teacher they acquired science. The bird, too, occupying the position of a distinguished instructor, imparted to them a knowledge of the Vedas, &c

The pupils made a golden cage for the partridge, and over it fixed an awning. They brought him fresh parched grain in a golden bowl, presented him with various kinds of flowers, and paid him great respect and honour.

In all Jambudwîpa this became known, and people said,—"A partridge within range of the forest teaches sacred texts to five hundred brâhman-youths."

At that time they proclaimed a great festival in Jambudwîpa. It was like the (day of) meeting on the mountain-heights. The parents of these brahman-youths sent them invitations to come and be spectators of the festivities. They informed the partridge of the affair, and (having gained his consent) they departed each to his own town,