The Greedy Cobra and The King Of FrogsThe cobra, however, was careful. He thought, “Who is this fellow? He does not seem to be one of us. I don’t have any friends outside my circle. I will stay inside and find out who the caller is. He could be a magician or someone seeking my help in killing his enemy.” Then, the cobra shouted from inside, “Who are you, sir?” "I am Gangadatta, king of frogs. I have come to seek your help,” said the caller. “I cannot believe you. Can there be friendship between a blade of dry grass and fire? Haven’t the learned said that he, who is natural prey to the predator never, even in a dream, gets closer to him? I cannot trust your words,” said the cobra. “O Priyadarsana, what I tell you is true. You are my born enemy. But I have come to you seeking help to avenge my humiliation. The learned have said, “When your life is under threat When danger stares you in the face It is better to bend before an enemy And save life and property.” “Who humiliated you,” asked the cobra. “It is my relatives.” |