every mad wave drowns the moon, r was on the dull, tame shore, I have lived, in calm and strife, fifty summers a sailor's life, wealth to spend and power to range, never have sought or sighed for change; Death, whenever he comes to me, 1 come on the wild and boundless sea. out of this cage, O pious one!" cried the tige "Nay, nay, my friend,” replied the Brahman "You would probably eat me up if I did." "Not at all!" declared the tiger with man "on the contrary, I should be forever grate would serve you as a slave!" At Now, when the tiger sobbed and sighed a the pious Brahman's heart softened, and at consented to open the door of the cage. sprang the tiger, and seizing the poor man, c "What a fool you are! What is to pre eating you now? After being cooped up s am terribly hungry." In vain the Brahman pleaded for his life. he could gain was a promise from the tiger by the decision of the first three things that to question concerning the tiger's action. So the Brahman first asked a tree what it of the matter, but the tree replied coldly: ב e a fool to expect gratitude! ot see how hard I work? Look at While I was strong they fed me on the best of food, when I am old and feeble they yoke me give me only the coarsest fodder to eat!" ahman, still more sad, asked the road to ts opinion of the tiger's conduct. ar sir," said the road, "how foolish you are anything else! Here am I, useful to everyall, rich and poor, great and small, trample they go past, giving me nothing but the heir pipes and the husks of their grain!" ring this the Brahman turned back sorrowhis way he met a jackal, who called out:what's the matter, Mr. Brahman? niserable as a fish out of water!" You he Brahman told him all that had occurred. ery confusing!" said the jackal, when the I shall be able to understand it." So the cunning jackal and the poor B returned to the cage, and there was the tiger for his victim, and sharpening his teeth and cl "You've been away a long time!" grow savage beast, "but now let us begin our di "Our dinner!" thought the wretched Brah his knees knocked together with fright; "wha cate way he has of putting it!" "Give me five minutes, my lord!" he plead order that I may explain matters to the jack. who is somewhat slow in his wits." The tiger consented, and the Brahman be whole story over again, not missing a single and spinning as long a yarn as possible. "Oh, my poor brain! Oh, my poor cried the jackal, wringing its paws and scr its head. "Let me see, how did it all begin were in the cage, and the tiger came walking |