[259] The king was enchanted with his honey-voice; he let fall his bow, and stood still in reverence. And the Great Being came up to the king, and talked pleasantly with him, standing on one side. All the host also dropt their weapons, and came up and surrounded the king. At that moment the Great Being asked his question of the king with a sweet voice (it was like one tinkling a golden bell): "Who brought the news to you, that here this deer was to be found?" Just then the wicked man came closer, and stood within hearing. The king pointed him out, saying, "There is he that informed me," and recited the sixth stanza:

"That sinful man, my worthy friend, that yonder stands his ground,
He brought the news to me, that here the deer was to be found."

On hearing this, the Great Being rebuked his treacherous friend, and addressing the king recited the seventh stanza:

"Upon the earth are many men, of whom the proverb's true:
'Twere better save a drowning log than such a one as you ."

When he heard this, the king repeated another stanza:

"Who is it you would blame in this, O deer?
Is it some man, or is it beast or bird?
[260] I am possessed with an unbounded fear
At this your human speech which late I heard."

Hereupon the Great Being replied, "O great king, I blame no beast and I blame no bird, but a man:" to explain which he repeated the ninth stanza:

"I saved him once, when like to drown
On the swift swelling tide that bore him down:
And now I am in danger through it.
Go with the wicked, and be sure you'll rue it."

The king when he heard this was wroth with the man. "What?" quoth he, "not to recognise his merit after such a good service! I will shoot him and kill him!" He then repeated the tenth stanza:

"This four-winged flyer I'll let fly,
And pierce him to the heart! So let him perish,
The evil-doer in his treachery,
Who for such kindness done no thanks did cherish!"

Then the Great Being thought, "I would not have him perish on my account," and uttered the eleventh stanza:

[261] "Shame on the fool, O king, indeed!
But no good men approve a killing;
Let the wretch go, and give his meed,
All that you promised him fulfilling:
And I will serve you at your need."

The king was very glad to hear this, and lauding him, uttered the next stanza:

"Surely this deer is good indeed,
To pay back ill for ill unwilling.
Let the wretch go! I give his meed,
All that I promised him fulfilling.
And you go where you will--good speed!"

At this the Great Being said, "O mighty king, men say one thing with their lips, and do another;" to expound which matter he recited two stanzas: