THE BULL THAT DEMANDED FAIR TREATMENT
Long ago the Bodisat came to life as a Bull.
Now, when he was yet a young calf, a certain Brahmin, after attending upon some devotees who were wont to give oxen to priests, received the bull. And he called it Nandi Visāla, and grew very fond of it, treating it like a son, and feeding it on gruel and rice.
When the Bodisat grew up, he said to himself: “This Brahmin has brought me up with great care; and there’s no other ox in all the continent of India can drag the weight I can. What if I were to let the Brahmin know about my strength, and so in my turn provide sustenance for him!”
And he said one day to the Brahmin: “Do you go now, Brahmin, to some Squire rich in cattle, and offer to bet him a thousand that your ox will move a hundred laden carts.”
The Brahmin went to a rich farmer, and started a conversation thus:
“Whose bullocks hereabout do you think the strongest?”
“Such and such a man’s,” said the farmer, and then added: “But, of course, there are none in the whole country-side to touch my own!”
“I have one ox,” said the Brahmin, “who is good to move a hundred carts, loads and all!”
“Tush!” said the Squire. “Where in the world is such an ox?”