stranger, sir, you may perhaps be excused for the indecency of your
behaviour; yet give me leave to tell you that none but a Bear would
ridicule any religious ceremonies in the presence of those who believe
them of importance."




THE FABLES OF BIDPAI

"In English now they teach us wit. In English now they say:
Ye men, come learn of beasts to live, to rule and to obey,
To guide you wisely in the world, to know to shun deceit,
To fly the crooked paths of guile, to keep your doings straight."

SIR THOMAS NORTH


THE FABLES OF BIDPAI


The Snake and the Sparrows

It is related that two Sparrows once made their nest in the roof of a
house; and, contenting themselves with a single grain, so lived. Once
on a time they had young ones, and both the mother and father used to
go out in search of food for their support; and what they procured they
made up into grains and dropped into their crops.

One day, the male Sparrow had gone out somewhere. When he came back he