So they walked on till they came to a Banyan-tree, and the Brahmin said, “Banyan-tree, Banyan-tree, hear and judge.”
“Let me hear,” said the Banyan-tree.
“This Tiger,” said the Brahmin, “begged me to let him out of his cage to drink a little water and he promised not to hurt me. Now that he is free, he wishes to eat me. Is it fair that he should do so?”
Then the Banyan-tree said: “Men come to rest in my cool shade. When they have rested, they break my branches and scatter my leaves. They are a cruel race. Let the Tiger eat the man.”
“Tiger, Tiger,” said the Brahmin, “do not eat me yet. You said that you would hear the judgment of six.”
“Very well,” said the Tiger, and they went on their way. Soon they met a Camel.
“Camel, Camel,” cried the Brahmin, “hear and judge.”
“Let me hear,” said the Camel.
Then the Brahmin told his story.
“When I was young and strong and could work, my master took good care of me,” said the Camel; “but now that I am old, he starves me and beats me without mercy. Men are a cruel race. Let the Tiger eat the man.”