Loss Of friend

THE HARE AND THE LION

There was a lion who ruled over the forest. He would kill a deer, a boar, a rabbit and a bison every day. Yet, eat only one of them. The animals were very unhappy, and lion collectively. so one day, they met the

'Oh, lord, they said, 'why do you kill so many animals every day when you need only food? Let's come to an one for your understanding. From today, you need not move from your cave. We'll send you an animal as your food every day. That will spare you the trouble of hunting and save our lives. Our ancestors have said that the duty of the king is to rule and not to destroy. Just as a seed grows into a tree and yields fruits, people protected by the king come to his rescue in times of need.

'What you say is true, the lion agreed. He then added a condition. 'If on any day you fail to send an animal, I shall kill all of you soon after.

'Agreed, said the animals and began roaming in the forest without fear. They made sure that they sent one animal to the lion for his meal every day.

One day, it was the hare's turn to go to the lion. He left home and walked leisurely on his last journey. On the way, he stopped by a big well and, just out of curiosity, peeped into it. He was amused to see his own reflection. Suddenly an idea struck him.

I'll somehow trick the lion into coming to the well and make him jump into it. the hare thought to himself.

It was late in the evening when the hare reached the lion's den. The lion was very hungry and so furi- ous that he declared that he would kill all the ani- mals! The hare heard his roar and went and knelt before him.

'Firstly, you are too small for my meal, the lion roared at the hare. 'Secondly, you have come late. Now I shall kill you and all the others, too. My lord, it's not my fault or the fault of other animals that I reached late.

What is it then that delayed you?"

Everyone decided that it was my turn today. Since 1 do not make a full meal, as you say, they had sent three mote hares with me for you. As we all were coming to you, a big lion suddenly stopped us on the way and demanded to know where we were going.

We told him that we were going to the lion. the king of this forest, as his meal, according to our arrangement. The big lion said that this forest belonged to him and that all animals should obey his orders, not yours! He took the other hares as prisoners and commanded me to summon you for a trial of strength. Whoever is victorious would be the real king. That's why I'm late. It's now for you to decide.

'In that case, the lion said, 'show me that lion. I'll kill him and have him for dinner. According to our elders, territory, friendship and gold are the rewards of war. Wise men do not go to war unless there are gains.'

"Yes, my lord,' said the hare. 'What you say is true. But the big lion lives in a fort. He knows that a king without a fort is like a cobra without fangs. Stop that nonsense and bring him here. Don't you know that you have to crush the enemy and disease at the first opportunity? Otherwise, they will grow in strength and crush you."

But the big lion seems to be very strong. Haven't you heard our elders say that one should not go to war without assessing one's own strength and the strength of the enemy? He who meets the enemy in haste will perish like locusts in fire,' advised the hare.

Growing impatient, the lion roared, "Why all this unnecessary talk? Take me to him!'

The hare then led the lion to the well. He showed the lion the well and said that the big lion lived in that fort. The lion peeped into the well and saw his own reflection in the water. He thought that the reflection was his challenger and so jumped into the well to kill him. Thus, the foolish lion drowned and all the animals in the forest lived happily ever after.

Damanaka resumed, "This is how with my skills I'll create a rift between Pingalaka and Sanjeevaka. I wish you the best, said Karataka. One day, when Pingalaka was alone, Damanaka visited him and bowed before him.

We haven't seen you in a long time, Damanaka said Pingalaka.

Of what use am I to you now? However, when your rule is breaking up. I thought I should inform you. Our elders have said that, even without being asked, always offer good advice to the one you want to protect from indignity.

'Whatever you want to say, say it without hesitation, said the king.

Gathering all his courage, Damanaka said. My lord, Sanjeevaka wants to harm you. He once told me that he would kill you, become the king and make me his minister."

'But Sanjeevaka is a trusted friend of mine. Why should he ever think of harming me?" asked the lion.

'It is not about a loyal or disloyal servant. There's no servant who does not desire power. My lord, what made you take Sanjeevaka into confidence? I don't think he will be able to kill your enemies. This will not happen because he is a vegetarian and my lord

feasts on meat. It's better to get rid of him at once.

'Do you remember that I gave him my word on your advice? So, how can I kill him who lives on my assurance?"

"My lord, according to wise men, you should not make friends with people you do not know. Do you know how an innocent bedbug died because of the flea's fault?'

Pingalaka demanded to know the story.