What Valorous Deeds Can't, Strategems Can

Our tale today comes from India. This story is an example of a “nested story,” in which one character in a story tells a different story, wherein another tale may be told. In this case, the character telling the primary story is telling a side-story to justify the expression:

“What valorous deeds can’t, strategems can;
The crow killed a cobra with a gold chain.”

Which continues deeper into another story as a crow tells another tale, himself.

Enjoy!

Animal Fables of India: Narayana’s Hitopadesha or Friendly Counsel, Hutchins (Translator), Amarta Press (1985). ISBN: 0-935100-03-2