Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1763

c8.1763

Damanaka replied very humbly "Oh mighty King, of what use can insignificant creatures be to you? Yet, if one thinks over it, even little things can also be of use at times to great people." Damanaka then recited to the King a poem which in substance was thus: "Even grass over which we trample while walking, is of use as fodder to the cattle. Some are used for cleaning the teeth and still some, dry and brittle, to tickle the ear when it itches badly. Great men retain their greatness even when they fall. A burning torch would send its flame only upwards when you keep it upside down. Similarly all things will shine only in their proper places. An ornamental waistbelt would not shine round a neck nor would bangles shine on one's ears. Anyhow let me ask your highness one question. Is it true that when your highness went to drink water something happened to make your highness worry?"