Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 7 1889.djvu/397

Rh master that he had done this out of gratitude for all his kindnesses to him.

The rich man's son was much pleased, and exclaimed, "Ah! people thought me a fool, and abused me for having given so much money for these animals; but see what wealth I am now enjoying, thanks to them."

The dog, the cat, and the mungûs, after these events, could not agree as to which of them should eat first, and determined to go before Princess Sudhamraacari (the doer of good law) and get her decision. After she had heard their statements, she delivered judgment, as follows:—

"The dog guarded the rich man's life as well as his wealth, and therefore he is worthy to eat before the other two animals, who only gave him his wealth.

"Verily, amongst animals, there are none who have shown so much gratitude as you."

Though men are more excellent than beasts, one may nevertheless obtain great advantages by showing kindness to them.

Note.—This last sentence seems to be an interpolation by the Burmese translator. There is also something incorrect, to my mind, about the commencement of the story, as it was in the first instance written to show "the efficacy or merit (guno) of learning;" but it would seem that the youth made his purchases when still in a state of ignorance of the proper system of mercantile dealings.

Once there were, in the country of Kamboja, four vaicyas who were great friends; three of them had a son and the other had a very beautiful daughter. Each of the three young men sent a message to the parents of the girl.