This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
12
THE ENCHANTED PARROT


He who obeys his father, who is temperate in all things;

He is the true devotee, he has the true wisdom, he has attained to virtue and righteousness.

" 'Such am I and my wife ; but as for you, you have abandoned your father, you are a wanderer from your home, you are not worthy of being even spoken to by one of my position. I respect the duties of hospitality, therefore I have answered your question.'

"Devasarma said: 'And wherein does perfect discipline consist?'

"The butcher replied—

" 'Those who fail to honour those worthy of honour;

Those who do not respect persons worthy of respect;

Those who despise others.

Such as these do not enter paradise."

"On receiving this advice Devasarma retraced his steps and went home again. He performed his duties, and so became famous in this world, and in the next attained to happiness.

"This is what you must do," continued the parrot. "You must do yottr duty in the sphere in which you have been placed, and you must respect your parents' wishes."