Simhasanadvatrimshika 11.p5

11.p5

Hearing his words, the bird related his sorrow: "O father, listen. In the northern country there is a mountain named Śaivālaghoṣa; near that mountain is the city of Palāśanagara. A demon dwelling on that mountain comes every day to the city, seizes by force whoever crosses his path, carries him off to the mountain, and devours him. Once, the people living in that city said: 'O demon Baka, do not devour at will whichever man crosses your path; we will give you one man every day for food.' Thereupon he agreed. After that, the people give him one man each day, house by house in turn. In this manner a long time has passed. Today the turn has come for a brahmin, who was my friend in a previous birth. He has only one son. If he gives that son, his lineage will be broken; if he gives himself, his wife will become a widow, and widowhood is a great sorrow. Thus, by their sorrow, I too have become sorrowful; this is the cause of my sorrow." Hearing his words, the other birds there said: "Ah, he alone is a true friend who himself becomes sorrowful through the sorrow of a friend! This alone is true friendship. And it is said: