UNWORLDLY WISE : XI




THE REASON WHY


'You look tired and hungry?' said the rabbit with compassion.
'I am,' replied the owl.

'Then why not eat and have a sleep?'
'Nothing to eat and not sleepy.'

'Allow me,' suggested the rabbit, 'I am available and at your disposition.'
'You! Have you become a Buddhist or something?'

'Yes,' shyly answered the rabbit, 'it is such fun!'
'So you offer yourself to me?'

'Gladly,' said the rabbit with a rapt expression, her nose twitching. 'Sacrifice is great happiness.'
'Sorry, not playing!'

'Why not?' asked the rabbit, hurt.
'Buddhists like that don't whet the appetite, or taste good,' snapped the owl; 'I prefer a rat!'


(© HKU Press, 1974)
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