Jackal. Said he, "I am a Cat." "Ah! wicked animal," cried the Jackal, "get thee at
a distance; for if thou dost not, I will put thee to death."
"Hear me for a moment," replied Puss, "and then determine whether I merit
either to be punished or to be killed; for what is any one, simply by birth, to be
punished or applauded? When his deeds have been scrutinized, he may, indeed,
be either praiseworthy or punishable."
The Jackal after this desired the Cat to give some account of himself, and he
complied in the following words: "I am," said he, "in the constant habit of
performing ablutions on the side of this river; I never eat flesh, and I lead that
mode of life which is called Brahma-Charya[2]. So, as thou art distinguished
amongst those of thy own species, noted for skill in religious matters, and as a
repository of confidence, and as the birds here are always speaking before me in
praise of thy good qualities, I am come to hear from thy mouth, who art so old in
wisdom, the duties of religion. Thou, master, art acquainted with the customs of
life; but these young birds, who are in ignorance, would fain drive me, who am a
stranger, away. The duties of a housekeeper are thus enjoined:
"Hospitality is commanded to be exercised, even toward an enemy, when he
cometh to thine house. The tree doth not withdraw its shade, even from the
wood-cutter.
"And again:
"Some straw, a room, water, and in the fourth place, gentle words.
These things are never to be refused in good men's houses."
To all this the Jackal replied: "Cats have a taste for animal food, and above is the
residence of the young birds: it is on this account I speak to thee."
The Cat, having touched his two ears, and then the ground, exclaimed: "I, who
have read books upon the duties of religion, and am freed from inordinate
desires, have forsaken such an evil practice; and, indeed, even amongst those
who dispute with one another about the authority of the Sastras, there are many
by whom this sentence: 'Not to kill is a supreme duty,' is altogether approved."
The Cat by these means having satisfied the jackal, he remained in the hollow of
the tree with him and passed the time in amusing conversation; and the Jackal
told the young birds that they had no occasion to go out of the way.