I asked how it was; and the birds related - Once upon a time, as there was no rain even in the rainy season, a herd of elephants, being oppressed with thirst, said to their chief-Lord, what means have us to save our lives? There is a place here (only) for little creatures to bathe; but for want of a bath we are as though blind; so whither can we go? What can we do? Thereupon the lord of the herd, going to a place not very far off, showed them a pond full of clear water. Then, as days passed on, the little hares that lived on its bank were crushed by the treading of the elephants. Upon this a hare, Silimukha by name, thus deliberated. This herd of elephants, being troubled by thirst, must be coming here every day and thus our race is destroyed. Then a certain old hare, Vijaya by name, said - Be not sorry. I will remedy this. He then set out, having undertaken to achieve that. On his way he reflected. How shall I stand before the herd of elephants and address them - For, an elephant kills though only touching; a serpent when simply smelling; a king though smiling; and a wicked man although (outwardly) showing honour.