Stories from Hithopadhesha

The Crane and the Serpent :

Once in the banks of river Airavati some cranes had built their nests. A serpent living in a hole under the tree used to feed on the eggs and young ones of the cranes. Being distressed by the act of serpent, the cranes sought the advice of an old crane. The old crane said that at a distance there is a burrow of mongoose and its family. It asked other cranes to lay a trail with plenty of fish from the hole of a serpent to the mongoose burrow. The cranes also did according to the words of their elder one. Mongoose caught by the smell of fish came to the serpent hollow. At once they both fierced fight and at last the serpent was killed. The cranes got delighted at the death of serpent. But they forgot to realise that the mongoose also is their enemy. The mongoose that saw the young one of cranes, began to feast them.

Moral: Before doing a job, we should think once or twice. Otherwise, we will also be held up in difficulty like the poor crane. Therefore, it is wisely said that one should not place any confidence in one's enemies.