to the Snake, asked him: "What is the cause of this accident that has
befallen thee and what act has brought down this upon thee?"

The Snake replied: "O King, greed plunged me into calamity, and this
befell as follows: One day I attempted to seize a Frog, which fled from
me and took refuge in the house of a holy man. My appetite led me to
follow him into the house, which happened to be dark. The son of the
holy man lay there asleep, and his great toe coming against me I
fancied it was the Frog. From the ardour of my greediness I closed my
teeth upon it, and the child died on the spot. The holy man discovered
the fact, and from regret for his son, attacked me, and I, turning
toward the open country, fled with speed, and the recluse pursued me
and cursed me, and said: 'I desire of my Creator that He will make thee
base and powerless, and cause thee to be the vehicle of the Frog-king.
And, verily, thou shalt not have power to eat Frogs, save what their
King shall bestow on thee as alms.' And now, of necessity, I have come
hither that the King may ride upon me, and I have acquiesced in the
will of God."

The matter pleased the King of the Frogs, and he thought that it would
redound to his advantage; and he at once seated himself upon the Snake,
and indulged in vainglorious airs in consequence.

Some time passed in this way. At last the Snake said: "May the life of
the King be prolonged! I cannot do without food and sustenance, that I
may support life thereon and fulfil this service." The King said: "The
case is as thou sayest; I cannot do without my steed, and my steed
cannot have strength without food." He then fixed two Frogs as his
daily allowance, that he might use as his regular supply for breakfast
and dinner. The Snake maintained himself on that allowance; and