Ancient Wisdom

 A poor hunter was walking through the forest in search of food. Coming to a deep hole, he found there a leopard, a serpent, a rat, and a man. These all had fallen into the trap and were unable to get out again. Seeing the hunter, they begged him to help them out of the hole. At first he did not wish to release any but the man. The leopard, he said, had often stolen his cattle and eaten them. The serpent very frequently bit men and cause their death. The rat did no good to any one. He saw no use in setting them free. However, these animals pleaded so hard for life that at last he helped them out of the pit. Each, in turn, promised to reward him for his kindness-except them man. He, saying he was very poor, was taken home by the kind-hearted hunter and allowed to stay with him. A short time after, Serpent came to the hunter and gave him a very powerful antidote for snake-poison. "Keep it carefully," said Serpent. "You will find it very useful one day. When you are using i...

Once animals of the world used to live together peacefully. They had no one over to rule and judge them. As a result, many wicked deeds were constantly done as no body was fearful from any punishment.At last they met together to discuss this situation of anarchy and decided to choose a king.  First of all lion was suggested but all opposed him as he was too fierce. Wolf was the next choice but the sheep and goats refused to have him as he was their foe.  As it was impossible to please everyone by choice. They decided another way. Two miles away there was a great stool placed under a very ancient tree which they believed to be the abode of some of their gods. They would have a great race. The animal which reached and sat down first on the stool should be chosen king. The day of race arrived. All animals, great and small, prepared to take part in it. The signal being given, they started off. The hare-being a very fine runner-speedily outdistanced the others. He reached the stool...