The master should never be rendered free from apprehension by his
servants, for a servant having quieted the fears of his master may
experience the fate of Dahdikarna.[1]
Upon the mountain Arbuda-sikhara, there was a Lion, whose name was
Maliavikrama[2] the tips of whose mane a Mouse was wont to gnaw, as he
slept in his den. The noble beast, having discovered that his hair was
bitten, was very much displeased; and as he was unable to catch the
offender, who always slipped into his hole, he meditated what was best
to be done; and having resolved, said he:
"Whoso hath a trifling enemy, who is not to be overcome by dint of
valour, should employ against him a force of his own likeness."
With a review of this saying, the Lion repaired to the village, and by
means of a piece of meat thrown into his hole, with some difficulty
caught a Cat, whose name was Dadhikarna. He carried him home, and the
Mouse for some time being afraid to venture out, the Lion remained with
his hair unnipped. At length, however, the Mouse was so oppressed with
hunger, that creeping about he was caught and devoured by the Cat. The
Lion now, no longer hearing the noise of the Mouse, thought he had no
further occasion for the services of the Cat, and so began to be
sparing of his allowance; and, in consequence, poor Puss pined away and
died for want. Wherefore, I say: "The master should never be rendered
free from apprehension by his servants."
[1]Whose ears are the colour of curds.
[2]Great courage.