There dwelt in a certain village a woman of remarkable grace and attractiveness. The fame of her beauty drew suitors from far and near, eager to display their prowess and win the love of this imperious creature--for, besides being beautiful, she was extremely hard to please, and set such tests for her lovers as none had ever been able to satisfy. A certain young man who lived at a considerable distance had heard of her great charms, and made up his mind to woo and win her. The difficulty of the task did not daunt him, and, full of hope, he set out on his mission. As he travelled he came to a very high hill, and on the summit he saw a man rising and sitting down at short intervals. When the prospective suitor drew nearer he observed that the man was fastening large stones to his ankles. The youth approached him, saying: "Why do you tie these great stones to your ankles?" "Oh," replied the other, "I wish to chase buffaloes, and yet whenever I do so I go beyond them, so I am tying stones to my ankles that I may not run so fast." "My friend," said the suitor, "you can run some other time. In the meantime I am without a companion: come with me." The Swift One agreed, and they walked on their way together. Ere they had gone very far they saw two large lakes. By the side of one of them sat a man, who frequently bowed his head to the water and drank. Surprised that his thirst was not quenched, they said to him: "Why do you sit there drinking of the lake?" {276} "I can never get enough water. When I have finished this lake I shall start on the other." "My friend," said the suitor, "do not trouble to drink it just now. Come and join us." The Thirsty One complied, and the three comrades journeyed on. When they had gone a little farther they noticed a man walking along with his face lifted to the sky. Curious to know why he acted thus, they addressed him. "Why do you walk with your eyes turned skyward?" said they. "I have shot an arrow," he said, "and I am waiting for it to reappear." "Never mind your arrow," said the suitor. "Come with us." "I will come," said the Skilful Archer. As the four companions journeyed through a forest they beheld a strange sight. A man was lying with his ear to the ground, and if he lifted his head for a moment he bowed it again, listening intently. The four approached him, saying: "Friend, for what do you listen so earnestly?" "I am listening," said he, "to the plants growing. This forest is full of plants, and I am listening to their breathing." "You can listen when the occasion arises," they told him. "Come and join us." He agreed, and so they travelled to the village where dwelt the beautiful maiden.