[181] These snares of mine, O ruler of the people (janādhipa), lie set in the pools,
at every spot (āyatana) that I deemed would entrap the lives of birds.
Coming upon such a snare, the goose-king was caught;
and this one, himself unbound, sitting close beside him, addressed me.
A deed most hard for the ignoble he wrought:
the bird devoted to righteousness, striving in his master's cause, showed forth the supreme disposition;
though himself worthy of life, relinquishing his own life,
he sat there bewailing and begged of me his master's life.
Hearing that speech of his, I was moved to confidence (pasāda);
thereupon I released him from the snare and gave him leave to depart in ease.
Gladdened at his master's release, reverent toward his master,
the curve-necked bird addressed me, uttering speech sweet to the ear:
"Hunter, may you rejoice together with all your kinsmen,
as I rejoice this day on seeing the lord of birds set free.
Come, I shall instruct you how you too may obtain gain,
and this Dhataraṭṭha shall see no harm whatsoever.
Go quickly to the inner palace and show us both to the king —
unbound, in our natural state, perched on either side of the carrying-pole (kāja) —
'Great king, these are the Dhataraṭṭhas, chieftains of the geese:
for this one is the king of the geese, and this other is his commander-in-chief.'
Without doubt, on seeing this goose-king, the lord of men,
delighted, glad at heart, and joyful, will give you abundant wealth."
Thus at his word these two were brought by me,
though these very two had both my leave [to depart] on that very spot.
Such is this winged one, a bird supremely righteous, come to such a pass,
that he could beget gentleness (maddava) even in a hunter such as I.
And I see no other tribute (upayāna) for you like this, sire,
in the whole village of fowlers — behold it, O lord of mankind (manujādhipa).
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.