Once upon a time, when kingBrahmadatta reigned over Benares, the Bodhisatta became a Parrot, and dwelt in the Himalaya region. He was king over several thousands of his kind, who lived on the seaward side of the Himalayas; and one of his. When his son grew up to be strong, the father Parrot’s eyes became weak. The truth is, that parrots fly with great swiftness; wherefore when they be old it is the eye that weakens first. His son kept his parents in the nest, and would bring them food to feed them.

It happened one day that young Parrot went to the place where he found his food, and sat upon a mountain-top. Then he looked over the ocean, and saw an island, in which was a mango grove full of sweet golden fruit. So next day, at the time of the fetching of food, he flew to this grove of mangoes, where he sucked the mango juice, and took the fruit to his mother and father. As the Bodhisatta ate of it, he knew the taste.

The Bodhisatta said, “My son! Is this a mango from the island? Parrots that go there have not length of life. Do not go to that island again!” but the son didn’t obey, and went yet again.

Then one day it befell that he went as usual, and drank much of the mango juice. With a mango in his beak he was passing over the ocean. Then he grew worn out and sleep mastered him. Sleeping he flew on, and the fruit which he carried fell from his beak. He also fell into the sea and a fish caught and devoured him. As he didn’t return to the nest, the Bodhisatta knew that he must have fallen in to the water. Then his parents, receiving no sustenance, pine away and died.