'Said I not well,' continued Damanaka, 'that stratagem excels force?'
'It was well said,' replied Karataka; 'go! and may thy path be prosperous!
'With that Damanaka repaired to the King, and having done homage, thus addressed him:—
"Your Majesty, there is a dreadful thing on my mind, and I am come to disclose it."
'Speak!' said the King, with much graciousness.
'Your Majesty,' said the Jackal, 'this Bull has been detected of treason. To my face he has spoken contemptuously of the three prerogatives of the throne,[[14]] unto which he aspires.'
"At these words King Tawny-hide stood aghast.
'Your Majesty,' continued Damanaka, 'has placed him above us all in the Court. Sire! he must be displaced!—
'Teeth grown loose, and wicked-hearted ministers, and poison-trees,
Pluck them by the roots together; 'Tis the thing that giveth ease,'
'Good Jackal,' said the King, after some silence; 'this is indeed dreadful; but my regard for the Bull is very great, and it is said—