'The Jackal related:--
THE STORY OF THE WAGTAIL AND THE SEA
"On the shore of the Southern Sea there dwelt a pair of Wagtails. The
Hen-bird was about to lay, and thus addressed her mate:--
'Husband, we must look about for a fit place to lay my eggs.'
'My dear,' replied the Cock-bird, 'will not this spot do?'
'This spot!' exclaimed the Hen; 'why, the tide overflows it.'
'Good dame,' said the Cock, 'am I so pitiful a fellow that the Sea will
venture to wash the eggs out of my nest?'
'You are my very good Lord,' replied the Hen, with a laugh; 'but still
there is a great difference between you and the Sea.'
"Afterwards, however, at the desire of her mate, she consented to lay
her eggs on the sea-beach. Now the Ocean had overheard all this, and,
bent upon displaying its strength, it rose and washed away the nest and
eggs. Overwhelmed with grief, the Hen-bird flew to her mate, and
cried:--
'Husband, the terrible disaster has occurred! My eggs arc gone!'
'Be of good heart! my Life,' answered he.
"And therewith he called a meeting of fowls, and went with them into the
presence of Gurud, the Lord of the birds.
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