Admin EditThe Peacock and the Tortoise
The Peacock and the Tortoise
ONCE upon a time, a peacock and a tortoise lived beside a stream and they happened to be the very best of friends. Every day, the peacock drank water from the stream, danced and displayed his elegant plumage for his friend.
One unfortunate day, a bird-catcher was on the prowl. He captured the peacock and was about to take him to the market. The terrified bird begged his captor to allow him to say good-bye the tortoise. Thankfully, the bird-catcher agreed.
Distraught, the tortoise pleaded with the man to let the peacock go but the man simply laughed at this request and shook his head. “This is my livelihood,” he explained.
"If I give you a handsome gift, will you let my friend go?" urged the tortoise.
"Certainly," replied the bird-catcher. “That is all that I wish for."
Immediately, the tortoise dived into the deep, murky water. A few seconds later, he returned with a gleaming, white pearl and handed it to the man. Astounded, he let the peacock go.
A short time after, the greedy man returned to the stream. He demanded more pearls for the release of the peacock or he threatened to seize the bird once more! However, the cunning peacock had since escaped to the jungle and now the tortoise was infuriated at the greed of this man.
"If you insist on having more pearls,” pronounced the tortoise, “Give that one to me and I will fish you out an exact match.” Hastily, the bird-catcher handed him the pearl.
Needless to say, the wily tortoise swam away with the pearl and disappeared, leaving the bird-catcher to be sorry ever after for his greed.
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