Untitled

276 THE SACRED BOOKS
'
'
It were well/ said the sham ambassador, that you first
made your apologies to the Divinity, who is
quaking with
rage in his pool, and then went about your business.'
*
We will do so/ replied the Elephant with meekness and
;
being led by night to the pool, in the ripples of which the
image of the Moon was quivering, the herd made their prostrations;
the Hare explaining to the Moon that their fault
was done in ignorance, and thereupon they got their
dismissal.'
'
Nay/ I said, ' my Sovereign is no fiction, but a great
the Three
King and a noble, and one that might govern
Worlds, much more a kingdom.'
'
Thou shalt talk thy treason in the presence/ they cried ;
and therewith I was dragged before King Jewel-plume.
i
Who is this ' asked the Raja.
of the Island of
'
He is a servant of King Silver-sides,
'
Camphor/ they replied and he
;
slights your Majesty, on
your Majesty's own land.'
i
'
'
Sirrah Crane ! said the Prime Minister, a Vulture,
who is chief officer in that court
'
'
A Brahmany Goose/ I answered, t named " Know-all " ;
and he does know every possible science.'
1
i
Sire/ broke in a Parrot, this Camphor-isle and the rest
are poor places, and belong to Jambudwipa. Your Majesty
has but to plant the royal foot upon them.'
'
Oh of !
course/ said the King.
'
Nay/ said '
I, if talking makes your Majesty King of
Camphor-island, my Liege may be lord of Jambudwipa by a
better title.'
<
And that
'
said the Parrot.
'
'
Is fighting
! I responded.
1
'
Good ! said the King, with a smile '
bid ; your people
prepare for war.'
'
'
Not so/ I replied ;
but send your own ambassador.'
'Who will bear the message' asked the i
Raja. He
should be loyal,
dexterous, and bold.'
1
And virtuous/ said the Vulture,
Brahman :
'
and therefore a