Atondido Stories
The Tiger, the Brahman and the Jackal
Once 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 Brahman came by. "Let me out of this cage,
oh pious one!" cried the tiger.
"Nay, my friend," replied the Brahman mildly, "you would
probably eat me if I did."
"Not at all!" swore the tiger with many oaths; "on the contra-
ry, 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 Brahman'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 terri-
bly hungry!"
In vain the Brahman 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 Brahman first asked a pipal tree what it thought of the
matter, but the pipal tree replied coldly, "What have you to com-
plain about? Don't I give shade and shelter to every one who
passes by, and don't they in return tear down my branches to
feed their cattle? Don't whimper—be a man!"
Then the Brahman, sad at heart, went further afield till he
saw a buffalo turning a well-wheel; but he fared no better from
it, for it answered, "You are a fool to expect gratitude! Look at
me! Whilst I gave milk they fed me on cotton-seed and oil-cake,
but now I am dry they yoke me here, and give me refuse as fod-
der!"
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