The Visit of Swans

Long ago there lived a swan near the lake. The lake had shallow water and was situated in the middle of a dense forest.

The swan lived happily there, until one day, when an owl came and started living there.

The swan told the owl, "You should find another place to live. This place is lonely and the lake dries up in the summer".

But the owl said, "I like calm and isolated place to live. I also like your company." Hearing this the swan smiled and said, "If you like this place and are happy, you may continue living here. I too like your company and there is someone to talk to in this lonely place."

So, the owl and swan lived happily together for months. When the summers arrived and it became very hot, the lake dried up. The owl now thought of returning to his home in the forest on the other side of the mountain.

The owl humbly said, "Dear friend, the heat is incresing day by day. The lake has already dried up and there is no water for us to drink. I am returning back to my home. I request you to come with here as there is no water here".

The swan appreciated the owl's gesture and thanked him. He refused to come with the owl and said, "I thank you for you concern. There is a river nearby where I will shift. If the river dries before the summer heat, I will come to stay with you".

The owl explained his address to the swan, "You fly across the mountain to other side where there is a forest. The forest has a big river, where a banyan tree stands. I live on that tree".

The owl flew to his home on other side of mountain.

The swan went to riverside and started dwelling there.

The heat grew worse and gradually the river touched its bed. Now, the swam felt lonely and decided to see his old friend, the owl.

Next day, the swan reached the owl's place. The owl was happy to see the swan and welcomed him. They ate their mean together and talked a lot about forest and weather.

In the evening, while they were talking, the swan fell asleep early due to long journey. The owl perched on same branch near the swan.

While they were resting, the a group of temple worshippers came to rest under the tree. It was dark and the cresecent moom shone. The owl suddenly woke up due to the noise of travellers and hooted loudly.

The travellers heard the hoot and considered it as bad omen .

So one of the travellers shot an arrow at the owl. But the owl us a night bird and could see in dark. So, the owl escaped the arrow and flew away swifty. However, the arrow stuck hard on the swan's neck. The swan died in its sleep and fell down.