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The Blind Man and the Snake
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The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai |
by Maude Barrows Dutton |
Thirty-four animal fables ably retold from the Panchatantra of India. Originally written in Sanskrit, tradition attributes the fables to Bidpai, an Indian sage, who, as legend has it, wrote them to instruct the king in moral wisdom. The king was delighted with the gentle wisdom and humor of the fables, which continue to be enjoyed by children to this day. Attractive black and white illustrations complement the text. Ages 7-10 | 84 pages |
$7.95 |
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THE BLIND MAN AND THE SNAKE
ONCE upon a time, a Blind Man and a Man who could see were
traveling together. When it came night, they rode into a
meadow, dismounted, and lay down to sleep until morning.
Before it was quite dawn, as they were about to start on
their way again, the Blind Man sought for his whip. By
chance a Snake was lying near by, frozen stiff with the
cold. The Blind Man's hand fell upon it, and thinking to
himself, "This is much softer than my old whip," he picked
it up and mounted his horse.
As it grew light, the Man who could see glanced over at
his companion and saw that he held a Snake in his hand.
In great alarm he cried out,—
"Oh, comrade, what you imagine to be a whip is in reality
a Snake. Be quick and throw it away before it bite you."
But the Blind Man only laughed. What, are you envious of
my good luck?" he replied. "I lost my whip, but some good
fortune has placed this softer and better one in my hand.
Pray do not think because I am blind that I am also a fool.
I am not such a simpleton that I do not know the difference
between a whip and a Snake."
"My good friend," answered the other Man, for your own
welfare, I beg of you to believe me and throw away this Snake."
But the Blind Man only clung the more tightly to the Snake,
which, awakened by the warmth of the man's hand, coiled
itself about his wrist and bit him so that he died.
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