The Moonlight Musician

Once, a washerman owned a donkey, whose only purpose was to carry heavy loads of clothes during the day. However, by nightfall, the donkey longed for freedom to roam without the burden of responsibility. “We are trespassers here,” he often thought.

One night, he struck up a friendship with a clever jackal, who knew the secret paths to the royal orchard. Curious about the world beyond his daily toil, the donkey followed the jackal to a place filled with wonder. It was the first time he experienced such magnificent scenery and delightful fruits.

The donkey, eager to impress his new friend, began to think about sharing a skill of his own. “Look at the soothing moon above us,” he said. “Well-bred creatures devote such nights to singing.” The jackal, however, was skeptical and responded, “I’m sorry that you don’t appreciate the value of music; you don’t realize how lucky you are to befriend me.”

“It’s not that I don’t appreciate music,” the donkey replied. “But I don’t think you know much about it!” The jackal retorted, “Impudence! Haven’t I studied the Natyashastra by Bharata Muni countless times? Allow me to demonstrate a Raga for you.”

Before the donkey could begin his song, the jackal abruptly ran and hid in a bush, leaving the donkey alone. Frustrated and feeling betrayed, the donkey let out a loud bray, calling for his friend. The jackal soon approached, mocking, “Well, my friend, I appreciate you relieving me of the responsibility! I’ll never sing under the moonlight again!”

With a swift motion, the jackal snapped the donkey’s rope, leaving him to ponder the true meaning of friendship and the bittersweet nature of music.