matter, for all creatures are seen to evince kindly and generous feelings
towards others.--Assuming then the shape of a Brahmana, Sakra descended
on the Earth and addressing the bird, said,--O Suka, O best of birds, the
grand-daughter (Suki) of Daksha has become blessed (by having thee as her
offspring). I ask thee, for what reason dost thou not leave this withered
tree?--Thus questioned, the Suka bowed unto him and thus
replied:--Welcome to thee O chief of the gods, I have recognised thee by
the merit of my austere penances--Well-done, well-done!--exclaimed the
thousand-eyed deity. Then the latter praised him in his mind, saying,--O,
how wonderful is the knowledge which he possesses.--Although the
destroyer of Vala knew that parrot to be of a highly virtuous character
and meritorious in action, he still enquired of him about the reason of
his affection for the tree. This tree is withered and it is without
leaves and fruits and is unfit to be the refuge of birds. Why dost thou
then cling to it? This forest, too, is vast and in this wilderness there
are numerous other fine trees whose hollows are covered with leaves and
which thou canst choose freely and to thy heart's content. O patient one
exercising due discrimination in thy wisdom, do thou forsake this old
tree that is dead and useless and shorn of all its leaves and no longer
capable of any good.'"

"Bhishma said, 'The virtuous Suka, hearing these words of Sakra, heaved a
deep sigh and sorrowfully replied unto him, saying--O consort of Sachi,
and chief of the gods, the ordinances of the deities are always to be
obeyed. Do thou listen to the reason of the matter in regard to which
thou hast questioned me. Here, within this tree, was I born, and here in
this tree have I acquired all the good traits of my character, and here
in this tree was I protected in my infancy from the assaults of my
enemies. O sinless one, why art thou, in thy kindness, tampering with the
principle of my conduct in life? I am compassionate, and devoutly intent