Stories from Hithopadhesha

THE JACKAL AND THE ELEPHANT KING.

There was once an elephant in a forest. One day all the jackals in the forest happened to see him. The jackals met in an assembly that evening. One of them said: "This elephant's flesh will last us for four months. Who will kill the mighty creature and give us a feast?" Another said: "I shall do it by myselfl".

The jackal at once went to the elephant, bowed respectfully before him and said: "My lord! favour me with a glance." The elephant looked at him and said in a loud voice: "Who are you, what is the matter with you?" The jackal replied: "Oh! my lord, all the jackals met in an assembly and chose your lordship as their sovereign leader. Be pleased to accept this honour. They have sent me here with this message and this is the auspicious moment for your lordship's coronation."

The elephant was very pleased at the news. He followed the jackal, but got struck in the deep mud. The elephant called the jackal to help him, but the jackal smiled and said: "Because you believed what i told you, you have met with your fate." The elephant died in the deep mud.

Moral: Listen not to flattery.