Tell me, who would not love a faithful, amiable and intelligent servant? That is a principle laid down both in the Vedas and in the Puranas. O crow, now listen attentively.

A father has many sons, differing in attainments, disposition and conduct; one is learned, another given to austerities, a third spiritually enlightened, a fourth rich, a fifth possessed of valour, a sixth charitably disposed,

a seventh all-wise and an eighth intent on piety; but the father loves them all equally. But if there is one devoted to his father in thought and word and deed, and never even dreams of any other duty.

that son the father loves as his own life, even though he be a perfect ignoramus. In like manner all animate and inanimate beings, including brute beasts, gods, men and demons,-

in short, the entire universe is my creation and I am equally compassionate to all. Of these, however, he who worships me in thought and word and deed, forswearing arrogance and trickery,

whether man, eunuch or woman, animate creature or inanimate, if with all his heart and soul he worships me, giving up all guile, is most dear of all to me.

O bird, I tell you in all sincerity that a selfless servant is dear to me as my own life. Remember this and worship only me, abandoning all other hope and trust.