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96
THE ENCHANTED PARROT


throw of the realm and the sovereign. When the kingdom has been ruined it is of no use to try and find the minister."

Reflecting on such maxims, the king sent for the chief of his police, and asked them whether anything were known of Sakatala. " Something may possibly be known," answered the chief; " but nothing accurately: for it was forbidden under the severest penalties to have anything to do with Sakatala." However, the poUce went to the prison where Sakatala had been confined, found him, and brought him out, paying him the utmost respect, telling him that he was worthy of all honour, that he was a friend, a spiritual father, a prince, one to whom all looked for refuge.

A prince is a protector in adversity;

A spiritual superior is an instructor in the sacred Scriptures;

A friend shows sympathy to those in trouble;

A ruler is a refuge in time of fear.

So the minister said to the king: " Sir ! what is it that you want to know ? " The king put the problem before Sakatala, and asked him to solve it. So Sakatala had the two mares saddled and bridled, and took them on to the neighbouring race course. After having galloped them up and down for some time, he had the saddles and bridles taken