Page:The Enchanted Parrot.djvu/15

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE ENCHANTED PARROT
ii

Brahman's wife was sent by her husband to meet him, and by his orders reproved Devasarma for having destroyed so excellent a bird as the crane, finally telling him to go elsewhere and look for a lodging. So Devasarma put up with the repulse and continued his journey, for the fact that his breach of temper was known made him feel very uncomfortable.

"At last he reached Varanasi, and went to the dwelling of Dharma Vyadha, a learned Brahman, who had been changed, in consequence of a curse, into a butcher. He found the butcher at home—a rough, savage-looking man, his hands all covered with blood, the very image of the demon of destruction. Devaiarma stood still horrified at such a spectacle; but the butcher bid him good-day, and inviting him into the house, gave him food and lodging. When he had been refreshed and rested, he said to the butcher : 'Tell me, where did you and your good wife learn your wisdom? Whence did you gain this divine knowledge that you have? '

"The butcher said— " 'He who observes rightly the duties that belong to his own condition;

He whose mind is not distracted by outward objects, be they great or small;