The Swan and the Owl

A swan lived on the bank of a lake. One day, an owl also came there, and the two of them lived happily together for a few months. When summer arrived, the owl started thinking about going back home. He asked the swan to accompany him. 

"When the lake dries up, I will come to you," said the swan.

The owl then left.

When the lake dried up, the swan went to the banyan tree where the owl lived. Every evening, the swan would quickly go to sleep.

One evening, some travelers came to rest beneath the tree. Seeing them, the owl screamed. The travelers considered this an ill-omen and shot an arrow at the owl. Owls can see in the dark, so he escaped the arrow and flew away. Instead, the arrow struck the sleeping swan, who died.

One must always be alert in a new place.