went their way. Then the other four came and ate of what was left. Moreover, these eight went off, caused the crow-king and his wife to eat of the food, and thus satisfied the longing of Suphassa.
The food-carrier brought the crow to the king. "Oh! crow, have you not put me to shame, torn the nose of the food-carrier, broken the food-vessels, and cared nought for thy own life? Why have you done such an act as this?"
The crow made answer, "O great king, our sovereign lives near Benares, and I am his minister. Suphassa, as his wife is called, is in the longing way and wishes to eat of your viands. The king informed me of her longing, and I am come here quite prepared to sacrifice my life now that food has been sent to her and my wish has been accomplished. For this reason I have done such a deed;" and therefore, by way of explanation, he spake the following gâthâs:—
"Great king, not far off lives my king,
Supatta is his name;
A crowded court each day he holds,
Of eighty thousand crows.
"His wife Suphassâ longing has
The royal food to eat,
That in the kitchen is prepared
Full smoking hot and fresh.
"The messenger I am of these,[1]
The king has sent me here.
I love and honour well my prince,
That's why I scratch'd that nose."
When the king heard this he said, "We give to human beings great honour, and yet are not able to secure them as our friends: we give them villages and the rest, and yet do not find one willing to give up his life for us. But this creature, though only a crow, sacrifices his life for his king, like an exceeding good man, pleasant-speaking and just."
He was pleased with the bird's merits and honoured him with a white parasol. The crow-minister presented this to his own sovereign and praised the good qualities of Supatta. The king of Benares sent
- ↑ The king and queen.
