Snake Who Repaid In Gold

Once there was a Brahmin who worked very hard and put long hours. But his land remained quiet barren. Towards the end of one summer, when he had been dozing under a tree, he saw a fearsome snake with his hood fanned out, looking directly at him from a nearby anthill.

Although he was scared, the Brahmin thought that perhaps the snake was the guardian of his field and he had never paid him any honour. Perhaps that was why nothing grew on his field. So he got a saucer of milk from his home and presented it to the snake saying, 'Guardian of my field, I am sorry I did not know. I have paid no respect. Please accept my offering and show your grace to me.

The next day when the Brahmin came to collect the bowl he found the bowl filled with gold coins when he asked the snake about it the snake replied, ' When I was in need of food you helped me and so I have repaid you today ' saying so they both left.