IT happened one day that the lot fell upon a doe from the Branch herd, and she was pregnant. “O my king” she said to the King of the Branch Deer, “for the sake of my fawn, send another in my place.” Finding him unmoved, she appealed to the King of the Banyan Deer. “But how shall I appoint to death” said he “one whom the lots have appointed to life?” But when she was dismissed the King of the Banyan Deer went and laid his own neck upon the block.

“Surely” exclaimed the lord of Benares, when he found him, “this is the deer-king! And does he cast his lot with the common herd?” But the King of the Banyan Deer replied, “The lot fell upon a doe big with young, and I am come in her stead.” “Never have I seen such kindness and mercy” cried the lord of Benares. “Rise up; I grant to you your life, and hers. For I will hunt Deer no more in Park or Forest.”