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'Bull,' said Damanaka, 'I am the warder of this forest under the King
Tawny-hide, and Karataka the Jackal there is his General. The General
bids thee come before him, or else instantly depart from the wood. It
were better for thee to obey, for his anger is terrible,'
'Thereupon Lusty-life, knowing nothing of the country customs, advanced
at once to Karataka, made the respectful prostration of the eight
members, and said timidly, 'My Lord General! what dost thou bid me do?--
'Strength serves Reason. Saith the Mahout, when he beats the brazen
drum,
"Ho! ye elephants, to this work must your mightinesses come."'
'Bull,' answered Karataka, 'thou canst remain in the wood no longer
unless thou goest directly to lay thyself at our Royal master's imperial
feet.'
'My Lord,' replied the Bull, 'give me a guarantee of safety, and I will
go.'
'Bull,' said Karataka, 'thou art foolish; fear nothing--
"When the King of Chedi cursed him,
Krishna scorned to make reply;
Lions roar the thunder quiet,
Jackals'-yells they let go by.


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