[1] Another title is, “The Story of the Female Turtle Dove.” [↑]

[2] Bassia longifolia. [↑]

[3] An imitation of the notes of the Turtle Dove (Turtur suratensis). [↑]

No. 181

The Golden Oriole

At a certain time, a Golden Oriole having perched on a tree, while it was [there] reflected, “On account of my [golden] colour when shall I obtain a food [suitable] for me?”

At the time when he was thinking thus, he saw that a fruit on a Jak-tree had ripened. Then a crow having come, dug into that very Jak-fruit. Thereupon the Golden Oriole, being pleased, laughed. Then after the crow flew away the Golden Oriole went near the Jak-fruit, and taking a section from it flew away.

Putting away somewhere the food possessing the [golden] colour equal to his colour, he sang songs.

He saw near there a King-Coconut tree, and thinking, “The fruit and flowers on the King-Coconut tree, and I, and my food are of one [golden] colour,” he was pleased.