佛教的故事:King Banyan Deer_少儿英语故事

佛教的故事:King Banyan Deer

　　One day， King Banyan Deers herd gathered aroundhim. He called Branch Deer， and the two herds joined fora meeting. King Banyan Deer addressed them. Althoughin the end， there is no escape from death， this needlesssuffering due to injuries and wounds can be prevented.Since the king only wishes the meat of one deer per day，let one be chosen by us each day to submit himself to thechopping block. One day from my herd， and the next dayfrom Branch Deers herd， the victims lot will fall to onedeer at a time.

　　Branch Deer agreed. From then on， the one whoseturn it was， meekly surrendered himself and laid his neckon the block. The cook came each day， simply killed thewaiting victim， and prepared the kings venison.

　　One day， the turn fell by chance to a pregnant doein Branch Deers herd. Caring for the others as well asherself and the unborn one， she went to Branch Deer andsaid， My lord， I am pregnant. Grant that I may live untilI have delivered my fawn. Then we will fill two turnsrather than just one. This will save a turn， and thereby asingle life for one long day.

　　Branch Deer replied， No， no， I cannot change therules in midstream and put your turn upon another. Thepregnancy is yours， the babe is your responsibility. Nowleave me.

　　Having failed with Branch Deer， the poor motherdoe went to King Banyan Deer and explained her plight.He replied gently， Go in peace. I will change the rules inmidstream and put your turn upon another.