THE LION AND THE HARE In a big thick jungle there once lived a lion called Bhasuraka the

Terrible. He was the lord of the jungle. He was truly terrible. He had a terrible voice, a terrible temper and a terrible aapetite. Bhasuraka was so strong and powerful that no animal in the forest could outrun him. Run! Run! They would cry when they heard bhasuraka hunting for dinner. But few escaped. If he was in a bad mood, he would go around attacking every he saw. Everyday countless animals were killed by him. One day, the animals decided that this could not go on forever. They had to do something. They had a meeting and talked about what they could do. Finally they agreed on a plan. Then all of them the deers and birds, yaks and zebras went to the lion. The monkey who was a poet, was asked to speak for all. O King of the Jungle! he said. Why do you kill so many of us each day? Soon there will be no for you to eat. If we promise to send one animal to your cave everyday, will you return promise not to harm the rest of us? The monkey then swung from a branch and recited. Take medicine in small doses and you will be strong. Tax your subject bit by bit and youll do no wrong. Feed your cow well and shell give you good milk. Water your plants and the flowers will soft as silk. Look after your subjects well. O kind King, and they will give you the best of everything!

Bhasuraka snarled and thought a bit. Finally, he said, there is some sense in what you say. Well then, I agree. But remember, if your word, if any day no one comes to me to be eaten, then I shall eat you all up. Not one but ALL! And so it was agreed. Everyday the animals drew lots and one of them went to the lion to be eaten while the others roamed wild and free. One day, it was the hares turn to go. The didnt want to go at all,but what else could he do? If he failed to arrive in time for the lions meal, bhasuraka would get angry and kill all the animals in the jungle. Trying very hard to be brave, the hare started walking towards the lions cave. If onlyhe could put off what was going to happen to him. If only he could kill the lion..... But how could he, a tiny hare kill the great Bhasuraka? His pace became slower as he thought hard. Surely there must be somw way he could avoid being eaten.... and save the other animals as well! As the hare walked, he came to a strange thing in the middle of the jungle. It was a brick wall, built in the shape of a circle. As it was near Bhasurakas cave, where the animals did not usually go, he had not seen this. The hare jumped nimbly up on to the top of the wall and peered down. Far down, at he very bottom, he saw another hare looking back at him! For a moment, the hare was frightened. But then he remembered that he had seen the same thing in a pool of water after the rains. It was his own reflection,

looking every bit like him! And he knew what the brick wall was. It was a well, from which humans drew water. Suddenly, the hare had the most wonderful idea! He knew what he would do now. He hopped back on to the path. There was no time to lose! By the time the hare reached the lions cave, the sun was already setting. Bhasuraka was in a terrible rage. Tommorrow he thought, savagely licking his lips, I will kill all those miserable creatures in the forest for not keeping their promise to me! Just then, the hare appeared before him, looking, small, humble and scared. How dare you come so late! roared the lion. And look at you! One gulp, thats all youll be good for. A mighty lion like me needs more than such a puny little morsel! How dare they send you all by yourself! You shall die at once. As for the rest, they shall die tomorrow morning! Master, it is not my fault! the hare whimpered, trembling as he spoke. I was on my way here with four other hares. We knew one would not be enough for you! But another lion stopped us. He wanted to eat us. When we said he mustnt because we were meant for our Master Bhasuraka, he got very angry. He said, who is this Bhasuraka? I am your real master. Go to Bhasuraka and tell him that I challenge him to a battle. I will kill him and be the king of the jungle. He sent me tell you this and kept the other four hares prisoner, Master! said the hare in a feeble voice. Thats why I am late, Master. Bhasurakas fury now knew no bounds. A challenger to the throne! Take me to him at once! he growled. He is hiding, Master! The hare said. You will not be able to see him. But he will be able to see you. Bhasuraka would not listen. No one had ever questioned his power until now. He was not going to take it quietly. Take me to him! he snapped. But, Master, he is big and he seems very strong .He is hiding inside a brick wall ,and it is dangerous .I do not want you to die ,Master . Me die ? It is he who will not live long .If I need your advice, little hare, I will ask for it .Now stop talking and show me the way. What else could the poor hare do? He showed Bhasuraka the way to the well. There , Master . he is hiding in there. The hare pointed at the well . With a terrifying roar , bhasuraka looked down into the well .the lion at the bottom of the well roared back and his roar was even louder . The sound echoed and grew louder and louder till filled bhasurakas ears . Unable to stand the sight of this oter lion for even one secod longer ,Bhasuraka leapt off and into the well to finish him off ,and drowned . Bhasuraka had mistaken his own reflection for the enemy! Feeling very pleased with himself, the hare went back and told the other animals what had happen All the animals in the jungle gathered around the hare and praised him for saving them from Bhasuraka the Terrible and his terrible ways.Then all of them lived peacefully and happily ever after.And this is why they all say :size doesnt matter, brains do.Try it yourself, you will see it true! Wisdom is stronger than strength.