Story 38 - The Monkey And The Weaver-bird

One day the Monkey came to the tree in which the Weaver-bird lodged, and after that a great rain-storm began. The Weaver-bird without getting wet remained in much comfort fn its nest; the Monkey stayed in a fork of the tree, getting thoroughly soaked.

Then the Weaver-bird said,

“Why does a person endowed with’ hands and feet, and strength, like thee, get soaked in this rain ? Such a small animal as I am having built a house stays in it without getting wet.- Not a drop of rain leaks into it. If I were equal to thee I should build a good house,”

On account of that remark the Monkey became angry, and saying,

“What is my business to thee ?”

broke down the nest of the Weaver-bird.

Then the Weaver-bird went to the [Monkey] King, and instituted an action [against the Monkey]. Afterwards, orders were issued by the King to seize the Monkey.

After remaining in concealment, the Monkey, thinking,

“If I should be caught they will kill me,”

plucked a Jak fruit, and went with it to the King. After that [the King] caused the Weaver-bird to be brought, so that he might try the case.

As he was inquiring into the case, it came to be accepted that on account of his breaking down the nest the fault lay with the Monkey.

Then the Monkey said,

“The action is coming to an end. Will the Maharaja be pleased to look behind me ?”

At that very time, when the King having considered [his judgment], looked around, he saw that there was a Jak fruit behind the Monkey. Then the King, thinking,

“The Jak fruit has been brought to be given to me for the sake of obtaining my favour,”

said to the WeaVer-bird,

“The fault is in thy hands. Whether he gets soaked or however he may be, it is no affair of thine.”

Having said this, the King drove her away; and the Monkey, having given him the Jak fruit, went away.

At that time animals were able to talk.

Potter. North-western Province.

 

Note:

The first part of this story is given in the Hitopadesa, but not the trial before the Monkey King.