* * * * * In this way, then, the virtuous, even when in distress, behave in such manner as cannot be imitated by the impious; how much less are the latter able to follow up the conduct of the virtuous, when favoured by fortune! [This story is also to be adduced, when praising pious language: 'In this manner a pious language conduces to the good of both[161].' Likewise, when treating of pious friends: 'In this manner they who possess a pious friend will be successful even in dangerous circumstances.' Also to exemplify the fact of the presbyter Ânanda having been a companion (to the Lord) still in previous births: 'So this presbyter sharing the vicissitudes of the Bodhisattva, cherished affection and veneration (for the Lord) for a long, long time.'] [161] Viz. the speaker and the listener. This much-renowned tale of the two fabulous swans is thrice told in the collection of Pâli _G_âtakas, edited by Fausböll: No. 502 Ha_m_sa_g_âtakam, No. 533 _K_ullaha_m_sa_g_ât., and No. 534 Mahâha_m_sa_g_ât. Of them No. 502 is almost an abridgement of No. 534. These two show another redaction of the tale than that which is contained in No. 533. Our author used some recension closely related to the redaction of No. 533; some of his stanzas are almost identical with the Pâli gâthâs. From a note in Tawney's translation of the Kathâsaritsâgara (II, p. 506) I learn that Râ_g_endralâla Mitra found the story of the golden swans in the Bodhisattva Avadâna, one of the Hodgson MSS. It is probable that the work quoted is the Bodhisattvâvadânakalpalatâ, which is being edited by Sara_k_ _K_andra Dâs, in the Bibliotheca Indica. But as the story in question has not yet been published and the list of contents in the preface of that work is here of no help, I could not find out in which pallava it is told. Moreover compare Kathâsaritsâgara 3, 26-35 and 114, 17 foll. The self-denial of the commander-in-chief has its counterpart in the behaviour of the sârasa bird in the main story of the third book of the Hitopadesa. XXIII. THE STORY OF MAHÂBODHI. (Cp. the Pâli _G_âtaka, No. 528, Fausb. V, 227-246.) The compassion of the virtuous for those who once were their benefactors, does not diminish even by injuries done to them. Such is their gratitude, and to this extent have they imbibed the virtue of forbearance. This will be taught as follows.