The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c6.3

c6.3

And the King who ruled over all those lands, wishing to know the truth, for he was building a new city and wanted good timber for it, sent some of his servants who were learned in forest lore to inquire into the matter. And they came back to the King and said: "It is true, O King, that these trees are of the same kind as those we have always used for building in our country: they are very old, but sound and fit for use. The forest should not be cut down, for if the parasites, creepers and undergrowth which are spoiling the trees are removed, the forest will be of great value to the State and give good timber for building many cities." What the King did belongs to another story; but as he was a good and wise King, I do not think he had the forest cut down as the Botanist advised.