FABLES FROM INDIA:

THE TIGER, THE MONKEY AND THE ANTS

BY: SHARANDHASS

There was a tiger who killed two buffaloes and tore a camel into pieces. He was so proud of himself that he went to a hill and rolled over on the ground, boasting about his act.

“There is no beast in this world who can compete with my strength! Even the elephant – just a whack of my paw will scare him away. God has created me so perfectly that I fear nobody and I do not beg for anyone to help me!

At this moment, a piece of rock fell from the top of the cliff and hit his back. The tiger did not know he had an open wound. After some time, he went to the lakeside to have some water and soon he took a nap there.

Nearby was an anthill. The ants came rushing to the tiger’s wound and started biting it. The tiger roared in pain.

A monkey, who had been watching the tiger the whole day, laughed and said, “Hey, big boaster. Where is your bravery and strength? Isn’t there no beast stronger than you? Why are you crying and trembling now?”

The tiger was embarrassed. With tearful eyes, he pleaded with the monkey, “Please, I beg you to drive the ants from my wound! I shall be very grateful to you and I shall reward you later!”

MORAL:Never bully the weaker ones and stay humble when stronger than others.