Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta became a tree sprite that lived in a forest. Two young Geese flew down from Mount Cittakuta and perched upon this tree. They flew about in search of food, returned there again, and after resting flew back to their mountain home. As time went on and on, the sprite struck up a friendship with them. Coming and going, they were great friends, and used to talk of religion to one another before they parted.

It happened one day as the birds sat on the treetop, talking with the Bodhisatta, that a Jackal, halting at the foot of the tree, addressed the young Geese:-

Sit and sing upon the tree

If in private you would be.

Sit upon the ground, and sing

Verses to the beasts own king!”

Filled with disgust, the young Geese flew back to Cittakuta. When they were gone, the Bodhisatta repeated:-

“Fairwing here to fairwing sings,

God to god sweet converse brings;

Perfect beauty, you must then

Back into your hole again!”