‘Wherefore do you abandon us, my father?’ he said.  ’Correct for us what has been done amiss.

‘My Liege,’ replied the Vulture, ’it has been well observed—­

    ’By the valorous and unskilful great achievements are not wrought;
    Courage, led by careful Prudence, unto highest ends is brought.’

You have set Strength in the seat of Counsel, your Majesty, and he hath clumsily spoiled your plans.  How indeed could it fall otherwise? for—­

    ’Grief kills gladness, winter summer, midnight-gloom the light of day,
    Kindnesses ingratitude, and pleasant friends drive pain away;
    Each ends each, but none of other surer conquerors can be
    Than Impolicy of Fortune—­of Misfortune Policy.’

I have said to myself, ’My Prince’s understanding is affected—­how else would he obscure the moonlight of policy with the night-vapors of talk;’ in such a mood I cannot help him—­

    ’Wisdom answers all who ask her, but a fool she cannot aid;
    Blind men in the faithful mirror see not their reflection made.’

And therefore I have been absent.’

‘My father!’ said the King, joining his palms in respect, ’mine is all the fault!  Pardon it, and instruct me how to withdraw my army without further loss.’

Then the Vulture’s anger melted, and he reflected—­

    ’Where the Gods are, or thy Guru—­in the face of Pain and Age,
    Cattle, Brahmans, Kings, and Children—­reverently curb thy rage.’

And with a benignant smile, he answered the King thus, ’Be of good heart, my Liege; thou shalt not only bring the host back safely, but thou shalt first destroy the castle of King Silver-sides.’

‘How can that be, with my diminished forces?’ asked the Rajah.

‘It will come to pass!’ answered the Vulture.  ’Break up to-day for the blockade of the fort.’

Now, when this was reported by the spies to King Silver-sides, he was greatly alarmed.  ‘Good Goose!’ said he, ’what is to be done?  Here is the King of the Peacocks at hand, to blockade us—­by his Minister’s advice, too.’

‘Sire,’ replied the Goose, ’separate the efficient and the inefficient in your force; and stimulate the loyalty of the first, with a royal bounty of gold and dresses, as each may seem to merit.  Now is the time for it—­

    ’Oh, my Prince! on eight occasions prodigality is none—­
    In the solemn sacrificing, at the wedding of a son,
    When the glittering treasure given makes the proud invader bleed,
    Or its lustre bringeth comfort to the people in their need,
    Or when kinsmen are to succor, or a worthy work to end,
    Or to do a mistress honor, or to welcome back a friend.’

‘But is this expenditure needed?’ said the King.

‘It is needed, my Liege,’ said the Goose, ’and it befits a Monarch; for—­

    ’Truth, munificence, and valor, are the virtues of a King;
    Royalty, devoid of either, sinks to a rejected thing.’