Hitopadesha 1.55.p4

1.55.p4

asti magadha-deśe campakavatī nāma araṇyānī | tasyāṃ cirāt mahatā snehena mṛga-kākau nivasataḥ | sa ca mṛgaḥ svecchayā bhrāmyan hṛṣṭa-puṣṭāṅgaḥ kenacit śṛgālenāvalokitaḥ | taṃ dṛṣṭvā śṛgālo 'cintayat-āḥ ! katham etan-māṃsaṃ sulalitaṃ bhakṣayāmi ? bhavatu, viśvāsaṃ tāvad utpādayāmi ity ālocya upasṛtyābravīt-mitra ! kuśalaṃ te ?

"Far away in Behar there is a forest called Champak-Grove,[1] and in it had long lived in much affection a Deer and a Crow. The Deer, roaming unrestrained, happy and fat of carcase, was one day descried by a Jackal. 'Ho! ho!' thought the Jackal on observing him, 'if I could but get this soft meat for a meal! It might be—if I can only win his confidence,' Thus reflecting he approached, and saluted him.

'Health be to thee, friend Deer!'