321. The Golden Mallard and The Peacock
Once on a time, in the first cycle of the world’s history, the quadrupeds chose the Lion as their king, the fishes the monster-fish Ananda, and the birds the Golden Mallard. Now the King Golden Mallard had a lovely young daughter, and her royal father granted her any boon she might ask. The boon she asked for was to be allowed to choose a husband for herself; and the king mustered all the birds in the country to gather at the Himalayas. All the birds came and they flocked together on a great plateau of bare rock. Then the king sent for his daughter and bade her go and choose a husband to her likes.
320. The Golden Geese And The Crow
Once upon a time, when Videha was reigning at Mithila, the Bodhisatta became a son of his Queen. He grew up in due course, and was educated at Takkasila; and on his father’s death he inherited his kingdom.
At that time, king of the Golden Geese paired with a Crow at the feeding grounds and to them was born a son. He was like neither mother nor father.
319. The Geese And The Tortoise
Once on a time, Brahmadatta was king of Benares, and the Bodhisatta being born to one of the king’s courtier, grew up, and became the king’s adviser in all things human and divine. But this king was very talkative; and when he talked there was no chance for any other to get in a word. And the Bodhisatta, wishing to put a stop to his much talking, kept watching for an opportunity.
318. The Gardening Monkeys
Once on a time when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, a festival was proclaimed in the city; and at the first summoning notes of the festal drum out poured the townsfolk to keep holiday.
Now in those days, a tribe of monkeys was living in the king’s garden; and the king’s gardener thought to himself, “Festival is celebrated in the city. I’ll get the monkeys to do the watering for me, and go to enjoy myself with the rest.” So saying, he went to the king of the monkeys, and said,”I am going to city for celebration. Couldn’t you water the young trees while I’m away?”
