Stories from Hithopadhesha

The goose and the crow

Once a goose and a crow lived together on a fig-tree in a forest. One hot day in summer a traveller who passed that way sat under the shade of the tree and fell asleep. After a while the sun's shadow moved and the sun's rays fell on his face.

The goose who observed this spread its wings wide open and blocked the sun thus protecting the man's face. The man slept well without being aware of the courteous act of the goose.

The crow who also lived on that tree watched this. The crow, which was not contented with the goose's behaviour dropped its excreta on the man's face. The man woke up and saw the goose spreading its wings above him. Thinking the goose had done it, he fixed an arrow to his bow and shot the bird. It died instantly and fell to the ground.

Moral: One should not live in the company of wicked people as it brings only misfortune. Always maintain a healthy distance with them.