Page 257 - Kailaspati: Paramhans Hansdevji Avadhoot

day she dared to ask him, “have you stolen all these ornaments?” The wood-cutter said, “No, there is a lion who is my friend and it is he who is offering me all these.”
The wife bantered, “how can a man-eater be a friend of a man?”
The wood-cutter retorted, “it is possible provided you behave well with him. One can triumph over hatred by means of love. Man is more ferocious than a beast.”
The wife doubted and said, “i am the last person to believe you. Could you take me to that lion?”
The wood-cutter said, “Welcome, you may go with me to see him.”
The wife said, “No, i am not going there with you. invite him to our place.”
The wood-cutter said, “i will ask him but i do not know if he will comply with our request.”
The next day, the wood-cutter went to his lion-friend and said, “My wife wants to see you in person. i invite you to visit our place.” The lion agreed and said, “i am ready to comply with your request. But remember, if anyone behaves badly with me or utters an abusive word then i will not be able to control myself. so warn
your wife well in advance.”
The next day, the wood-cutter went to the forest to accompany
his friend, the lion, to his home. and while walking along, he assured his friend that he had already warned his wife not to misbehave with him. a special seat was kept reserved for the lion. No sooner had the lion taken his seat, than the lady of the house said, “My goodness! What a foul smell! Besides, his body is full of worms! My house has already been soiled!”
The lion, on hearing those words of the lady, cast an angry look at her, controlled himself and ran toward the forest. after the lion had gone, the wood-cutter took his wife to task. The next day, on going to the forest, when he met the lion-friend, the latter said, “strike me with your axe.” as the lion insisted on him on doing it, the wood-cutter struck the lion with his axe. Thereafter for a number of years, the lion could not be found. at last, the wood-cutter went far into the depth of the forest and met him.
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