28
The Blue Bird
Prince Yudhisthira, being the eldest, was called first.
"Be ready to shoot," said Drona. "But tell me first what you see. Do you see the bird?"
"Yes," said Yudhisthira.
"What else do you see? Myself, your brothers, or the tree?"
"I see yourself, my brothers, the tree, and the bird."
Three times Drona asked this question, and three times was he thus answered. Then very sorrowfully he turned from Yudhisthira. Not by him was the bird to be shot.
Prince after prince, he questioned on this wise; and all alike made answer: "I see you, my brothers, the tree, and the bird."
And now there was but one prince left, Arjun, the master's favourite pupil.
