विक्रम चरित (उज्जैन सम्राट् विक्रमादित्य - पराक्रम, न्याय एवं ३२ पुतलियों की कथा सटीक)

220 tations. The poor birds were very much dissatisfied with the manner in which the angel treated their complaint, and they returned to their dwelling more disconsolate than ever. While sitting brooding over their ill-fortune, they hit upon the following expedient, by way of retaliation on the angel ruler: 'Let us,' said they, 'dry up the water from the sea, so that the subjects of the angel may suffer thirst for his having refused to attend to our just prayers.' Having resolved upon this, they set about it in right good earnest, and with their little beaks, drop after drop, they commenced emptying the ocean. They had not been long employed in this manner when Narud Moonee* happened to pass by, to whom they represented their grievances. Moonee assured the birds that he would procure them every satisfaction, and said, 'Do not disturb yourselves, but be easy in your minds. Depend on me: I will endeavour to have your eggs safely restored to you.' This assurance delighted the birds, and they continued their task with great energy. The Moonee, after being made fully acquainted with the grievances of the Titvis, bent his steps towards the residence of the chief of the birds. When he arrived there he began by stating that the angel ruler of the sea was so haughty and proud that he scrupled not to allow the greatest indignities to be offered to the noble family of birds; he then entered into an explanation of the cause which led him thither—namely, the grievous wrong sustained by the Titvis. He also made the following observations:—'It would be a glorious action on your part to out-brave a power you can no longer revere. Now, let me see how you will resent the insult offered to your race by the angel ruler of the sea. For a frog, the meanest of the mean, to have perpetrated this outrage on any of your subjects, detracts much from your honor.' The Garood, as tenacious of his rights over his subjects as he was revengeful by nature, set out with

• The son of Brahma, and one of the ten original Mooni or Rishee. He delighted in exciting quarrels.