A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

17: Wealth
Jā 204 Vīrakajātakaṁ
Keeping to one's own Habitat
A city crow named Saviṭṭhaka (Devadatta) has to
leave his home and finds a water crow to serve.
Thinking he can swim like his master he attempts
to dive for fish, but dies in the attempt.
321. Udakathalacarassa pakkhino,
Niccaṁ āmakamacchabhojino:
Tassānukaraṁ Saviṭṭhako
Sevāle paḷiguṇṭhito mato.
That bird at home on water and on land,
Who constantly enjoys fresh fish to eat:
Through imitating him the city crow
Died caught up in the lakeside weeds.
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