When an army marches in India, elephants are employed in carrying
field-pieces, levelling roads, piling up timber, fetching water; all of
which, and many other occupations, they perform with a regularity which
shows that they understand what they are about. Formerly, indeed, they
were often trained to launch ships, by pushing them off the stocks with
the weight of their huge bodies.
Some troops, on their march, had to cross a steep and rugged hill. This
could only be done by cutting away portions, and laying trees to fill up
the chasms. The first elephant, when conducted up to this
roughly-formed road, shook his head, and roared piteously, evidently
convinced that it was insecure. On some alteration being made he
recommenced his examination, by pressing with his trunk the trees that
had been thrown across. After this he advanced a fore-leg with great
caution, raising the fore-part of his body so as to throw the weight on
the trunk. Thus he examined every tree and rock as he proceeded, while
frequently no force could induce him to advance till some alteration he
desired had been made. On his reaching the top his delight was evident.
He caressed his keepers, and threw the dirt about in a playful manner.
A younger elephant had to follow. The first watched his ascent with the
most intense interest, making motions all the while as though he was
assisting him, by shouldering him up the declivity. As the latter
neared the top, a difficult spot had to be passed, when the first,
approaching, extended his trunk to the assistance of his brother in
distress. The younger, entwining his round it, was thus led up to the
summit in safety. The first on this evinced his delight by giving a
salute something like the sound of a trumpet. The two animals then
greeted each other as if they had been long separated, and had just met
after accomplishing a perilous achievement. They mutually embraced, and
stood face to face for a considerable time, as if whispering
congratulations. The driver then made them salaam to the general, who
ordered them five rupees each for sweetmeats. On this they immediately
returned thanks by another salaam.
Can you, after reading this, ever refuse to help any human beings in
distress? Imitate, too, that sagacious elephant, in never venturing on
unsafe ground. Look before you leap.