The Monkey and the Crocodile
Once there lived a monkey in a fruit tree on a riverbank. He was happy but he felt lonely. He wanted to have a companion to talk to.
One day a crocodile appeared on the riverside. The monkey offered him fruits. He became his good friend. The crocodile took the fruits home also for his wife.
One day the crocodile overstayed with the monkey. His wife became angry with him. She wanted to know who his friend was and why he was so fond of him. The crocodile told her about the monkey and his generous nature. Now his wife dived in to hide herself at the bottom of the river. The crocodile found himself in trouble. He loved his friend but he loved his wife more. He decided to please his wife. He planned to invite the monkey home for dinner.
He made the offer to the monkey. The monkey accepted the invitation gladly. Since he could not swim, he agreed to ride on the crocodile’s back.
In the middle of the river, the current was very strong. The crocodile told the monkey about his wife’s demand.
The clever monkey kept his head cool. He agreed to meet the demand of the friend’s wife. But he played a trick. He said that he had left his heart behind on the tree.
The foolish crocodile turned to swim back to the tree on the river bank. The monkey at once jumped on to the tree. He thus saved his life by using his wit. He broke his friendship with the crocodile for good.
Moral : Never trust anyone in haste.
