42 A BOOK OF MORTALS 



even dip her nose into it. And the line is drawn so 

 arbitrarily that, in dogs especially, likes and dislikes become 

 mere personal fads or idiosyncrasies. 



But of all God's creatures, surely the palm squirrel is the 

 daintiest. To see one seated in the sunlight sampling grapes 

 and almonds and rejecting five-sixths at the first taste, is to 

 understand something of the mere joie de vivre of w^hich so 

 many civilised men are no longer capable. 



But then the palm squirrel has for its birthright this 

 same joy ; at least, so says the old Indian legend, which, lest 

 the little creature should falsely be accused of gluttony, I 

 transcribe here (as best I can) with all its quaint inlaying of 

 rhymes. 



First of lovers, seeking Seeta peerless maid 



Ram the Great God bade when by foe dismayed, 



All the beasts and birds and fishes 



Leave Life's play to do his wishes 



Fight to give him aid. 



So the golden squirrel sprang at Ram's behest 

 Nestled to his breast, first to join the quest, 

 But the God's grave eyes grew tender 

 Smiled upon the warrior slender 

 Braver than the rest. 



" Nay ! thou art too pretty ! fearless little heart 

 " Thou must take no part in Strife's bitter art ; 

 " Live to show man, worn and weary 

 " One glad life for ever cheery 

 " Free from duty's smart." 



Laid his kind hand softly on its golden hair. 

 Since then squirrels bear, like Ram's fingers were 

 On their gold, four shadows, showing 

 Brighcst lite will lose its glowing 

 From the touch of care. 



