One day a wonderful plate made of gold fell from Heaven into the court of a temple at Benares. On the plate were inscribed these words “ A gift from Heaven to him who loves the best.” The priests at once made the proclamation that every day at twelve o’ clock, all who would like to claim the plate should assemble at the temple, to have their kind deeds judged.

Every day for the whole year all kinds of holy men, hermits, scholars and nobles came, and related to the priests there deeds of charity, and the priests heard their claims. At last they decided that the one who seemed to be the greatest lover of mankind was a rich man who had that very year had given all his wealth to the poor. So they gave him the plate of gold. But when he took it his hand, it turned into lead. On seeing this he dropped it on the floor and to every ones surprise it turned into gold again.

Many more people came, who were awarded the plate by the priest on their claiming that they were the lover of mankind but the same thing happened. This meant that the Heaven didn’t consider them worthy of the gift. Meanwhile many beggars came to the temple hoping that the people coming to the temple to claim the plate would give them alms to prove that they are worthy of the golden plate.

At last one day a peasant, who had heard nothing about the plate of gold came there. He was so touched by the miserable sight of the beggars that he wept for them. He saw a poor, blind person at the temple gate, he knelt and helped him. He comforted him with his kind words. When he reached the temple, he was shocked to see men boasting of their deeds and quarrelling with the priest. One priest, who was holding the plate, seeing the peasant standing there, beckoned to him. The peasant came and knowing nothing about the plate took it in his hand. At once it shone out with three times its former splendor, and the priest said: “ Son, the gift is yours: for you love the best.”

Long ago the mice held a council to consider what measures they could take to outwit their common enemy., the cat. Many plans were discussed and rejected when, at last , a young mouse stood up and said, “I think I have a plan that will ensure our safety. You will all agree that the chief danger is the sly, quiet manner in which the cat approaches us. I therefore propose that a small bell be attached around the cat’s neck. This way we will always know when the cat is approaching.” This plan was warmly applauded, until a wise old mouse stood up and said, “I agree with everyone that the plan is very clever, but who is going to put the bell on the cat?

Moral: It is easy to propose the impossible solutions.

On very warm summer, the animals learned that the sun was going to get married. All the birds and the beasts were delighted to hear the news. The frogs, more that anyone else, were determined to celebrate the occasion with a festival of singing and dancing. But a wise old frog put a stop to the festivities by pointing out that it was an occasion for sorrow, rather than for joy. “If the sun dries up our beloved marshes now, ” said the frog, “what will happen when he has children?”

Moral: It is possible to have too much of a good thing.

A mighty Lion was sleeping in his lair when he was awakened by a tiny Mouse running across his body. The Lion grabbed the frightened creature with his huge paws and opened his mouth to swallow him. “Please, O King,” cried the Mouse, “spare me this time and I shall never forget your kindness. Someday I may be able to repay you.” The Lion was so amused by this idea that he let the poor creature go.

Sometime later the Lion was caught in a net laid by some clever hunters. Despite his great strength, the Lion could not break free. Soon the forest echoed with angry roars.

The little Mouse heard the Lion and ran to see what was wrong. As soon as he saw Lion, he began to gnaw away the ropes, and before long he set the Lion free. “There!” said the Mouse proudly, “You laughed at me when I promised to repay your kindness, but now you know that even a tiny Mouse can help a mighty Lion.”

Moral: Little friends may prove to be great friends.

One day a quick footed Hare was making fun of a slow moving Tortoise. Much to Hare’s surprise, the Tortoise began to laugh. “I challenge you to a race” said the Tortoise, ” and I bet that I will win.” “Very well,” said the hare, “I will dance dings around you all the way.” It was soon agreed that the fox would set the course and be the judge. The race began and the Hare ran so quickly that he soon left the Tortoise for behind. Once he reached the middle of the course, the Hare decided to take a nap. While the hare slept, the Tortoise plodded on and on, straight toward the finish line. When the Hare awoke from his nap, he was surprised that the Tortoise was nowhere in sight. Racing to the finish line as fast as he could, the Hare was shocked to find the Tortoise waiting for him with a smile on his face.

Moral: Slow and steady wins the race.