Eastern Stories and Legends

by Unknown

When Viraka heard it, he replied, “Yes, I know where he is gone,” and recited the second stanza:—

“He was not born to dive beneath the wave,

But what he could not do he needs must try;

So the poor bird has found a watery grave,

Entangled in the weeds, and left to die.”

When the lady-crow heard it, weeping, she returned to Benares.

THE JUDAS TREE

Once upon a time Brahmadatta, the king of Benares, had four sons. One day they sent for the charioteer, and said to him:

“We want to see a Judas tree; show us one!”