Once upon a time there reigned in Kosamb a king named Kosambaka. At that time Bodhisatta became the offspring of a wild hen that dwelt in a grove of bamboo trees, and afterwards was the chief of a flock of several hundred fowls in the forest. Not far off lived a Falcon, which as he found opportunity caught the fowls one by one and ate them and in course of time he devoured all the others, and the Bodhisatta was left alone. But he used all caution. In seeking his food and dwelt in a thicket of bamboo. Here the Falcon could not get at him so he set about thinking by what trick he might entice him to capture.

Then he sat on a branch hard by, and called out, “Worthy Fowl! what makes you fear me? I am anxious to make friends with you. Now in that part of forest food is in plenty; let us feed there together, and live like friends in company”

The Bodhisatta replied, “No! good Sir! betwixt you and me no friendship can ever be; so get lost!”

“Good Sir, for my former sins you cannot trust me now; but I promise that I will never do so again!”

“No, I care not for such a friend; begone, I say!”

For the third time the Bodhisatta refused. He said, “With a creature of such qualities, friendship there must never be.” He continued:

“Trust not in those whose words are lies, nor those who only know Self- interest, nor who have sinned, nor who too-pious show.

Some men have nature like the kine, thirsty and full of greed:

Have words in truth a friend to soothe, but never come to deed.

These hold out dry and empty hands; the voice conceals their heart From those who know not gratitude (vain creatures) keep apark.

“Put not thy tryst in woman or in man of fickle mind

Nor such as having made a pact to break it are inclined

The man who walks in evil ways, to all things threatening death,

Unstedfast, put no trust in him like keenest sword in sheath.

Some speak smooth words that come not from the heart and try to please

With many a dhow of friendship feigned: put not thy trust in these

When such an evil- minded man beholds or food or gain,

He works all ill and go he will but first will be thy bane.”

These are the words of the king of the faith, words inspired by a Buddha’s insight:

“In friendly show full many a foe follows, his aid to give;

As the fowl lift the Falcon, so ’twere best bad men to leave.

Who is not quick to recognize the meaning of events?

Under his foes’ control he goes and afterward repents.

Whoso the meaning of events is quick to recognize,

As from the falcon’s toils the Fowl, so from his foes he flies.

From such inevitable and treacherous snare,

Deadly, set deep mid many a forest tree,

As from the Falcon far the fowl did flee,

The man of seeing eye afar should fare.”

The Bodhisatta called the Falcon, and reproached him saying, “If you continue to live in this place, I shall know what to do.” The Falcon flew away and went to another place.