"My tail is full long and reaches so far,
As to cover the earth and quarters all four,
And mountains and streams do fall in its way;
How then could you miss to step on my tail?"
When the kid heard this she thought, "This wicked creature is not to be influenced by friendly talk so I'll address him as an enemy." Then she spake the following gâthâ:—
"Long ago did I hear of the length of your cue,
From my father and mother and brother besides.
To avoid your long tail, O panther depraved,
Through the air did I come, and touched not the ground."
"I am aware," said he, "that you came through the air, but as you were making your way you came and caused me to lose my prey." Then he spake the following gâthâ:—
"O kid, I did see you come through the air.
The beasts you alarm'd and frighted full sore;
They all took to flight and ran far away.
And thus you quite spoilt the food that I eat."
When the other heard that she was frightened to death and was unable to adduce any other reason. In a suppliant tone she said, "uncle, do not commit such a cruel deed but spare my life." The other seized her by the shoulders, even while she was making her appeal, then killed and devoured her.
The moral of this story is given by the Buddha in the following gâthâs:—
"Thus e'en the little kid in piteous terms
Did beg the panther spare her tender life;
But he, athirst for blood, did tear her throat,
And then her mangled body quickly ate.
"Unkind of speech, unjust the wicked is,
Nor listens he at all to reason's voice.
Nor friendly is with those that would be kind;
With force full strong he must be kept in bounds."
