A beautiful bird

Once there was a rich man named Chulong.

One day, he was walking in his garden when he saw a strange bird with beautiful features and sweet voice in a tree. Chulong slowly went near the tree and caught the bird, which he thought he could sell and get lots of money.

“Don't think about making money through me!" said the bird, “Nobody will buy me, because, in imprisonment¹, I lose my beauty and sweet voice.”Chulong's hope of making money was shattered². He became angry and wanted to kill the bird for the meat.

Then the clever bird suggested, “Well, set me free. In return I shall teach you three simple but useful rules, which can do good to you.”

Chulong didn't believe the bird at first and he was afraid that the bird would fly away. However, the bird promised it would keep its word. Chulong wanted to take a risk. He set the bird free and it sat on the branch of a tree. It became beautiful again.

Chulong asked, “Now teach me the rules.”"Certainly, ”said the bird.

Then the bird taught Chulong the rules. The first rule is Never believe everything others say. The second rule is Never be sad about something you don't have. The third rule is Never throw away what you have in your hand.

“You silly bird,” shouted Chulong, “These rules are known³ to everyone. You cheated me.”

But the bird said, "Today, you had me in your hand, but you threw me away. You believed all that I said. And you are sad about not having me. Although the rules are simple, you have never followed them. Now have you got the value of the rules? Just sit down and think for a while.” With these words, the bird flew away and disappeared from his sight.