A snake dwelt in a certain place. No one dared to pass by that way. For whoever did so was instantaneously bitten to death.
Once a Mahâtman passed by that road, and the serpent ran after the sage in order to bite him. But when the snake approached the holy man he lost all his ferocity, and was overpowered by the gentleness of the Yogin.
Seeing the snake, the sage said, "Well, friend, do you think to bite me?"
The snake was abashed and made no reply. At this the sage said, "Hearken, friend, do not injure anybody in future." The snake bowed and nodded assent.
The sage went his own way and the snake entered his hole, and thenceforward began to live a life of innocence and purity without even attempting to harm anyone.
In a few days, all the neighborhood began to think that the snake had lost all his venom, and was no more dangerous, and so everyone began to tease him. Some pelted him, others dragged him mercilessly by the tail, and in this way there was no end to his troubles.
Fortunately, the sage again passed by that way, and seeing the bruised and battered condition of the good snake, was very much moved, and inquired the cause of his distress.
At this the snake replied, "Holy sir, this is because I do not injure anyone, after your advice. But alas! they are so merciless!"
The sage smilingly said, "My dear friend, I simply advised you not to bite anyone, but I did not tell you not to frighten others. Although you should not bite any creature, still you should keep every one at a considerable distance by hissing at him."
Similarly, if you live in the world, make yourself feared and respected. Do not injure anyone, but be not, at the same time, injured by others.
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