Page 24 - Viva Real English 4 : Ebook

3 King Shibi and the Two Birds

King Shibi was famous all over the world and in the heaven for his kindness and
good governance. He made sure that every being in his kingdom got justice and
lived in peace.

One day Shibi saw in his garden a wounded pigeon flapping its wings in a desperate
effort to fly. The king lifted the bird from the ground and wrapped it in his shawl to
comfort it. The next moment he saw a fierce falcon landing on the parapet. Shibi
at once realized how the pigeon was wounded and why it looked so frightened.

The falcon spoke in a human voice: ‘O king,
you are known as a kind ruler living for the

well-being of your subjects. But today you
are being cruel to me. I saw you guarding
that pigeon, which was my prey. Why do you
snatch my food from me?’

Shibi replied, ‘O king of birds, this poor pigeon
is hurt and tired. It came to my refuge trusting
that I would save its life. Just as you do not

want to die of hunger, this little bird does not
want to be eaten by a predator. Please tell me
in return for this pigeon’s life what other food
I can offer you.’

The falcon said, ‘Food is the first choice of
every living thing. Without food we all die. If
I die, my little children that have just hatched

will not survive either. Please decide if it is

governance : ruling of a country snatch : take something quickly; grab
justice : fair treatment of people refuge : protection from danger
desperate : hopeless trusting : (here) believing

fi erce : wild and ready to attack predator : an animal that kills and
parapet : a low wall along the edge of eats other animals
a balcony survive : continue to live despite

danger
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