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The Magic Bird-Heart
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(4) One of the hero's companions happens to learn about
these properties as the birds give them out in a mutual
quarrel. (5) He kills the kingship-bird, gives its fat to the hero, the
middle flesh to the other companion, and himself eats the
flesh about the bones. (6) The next day, the hero is chosen king in place of one
that had just died without an heir. To the first companion
he gives the post of Commander-in-Chief. (7) The remaining companion gets the post of Royal Treasurer
after some unpleasant experiences. 5.5. The version 1 A is clearly secondary as compared to I. The incident of the disputing cocks is practically the same as in I, but the alternatives added to the magic properties of the less important parts of the kingship-cock are later elaborations and are felt as special provisions made for the wood-cutter's wife and the friendly monk. Also the manner of the wood-cutter's becoming a king seems to be an innovation. The sequel is newly added, consistently with the purpose of making the story one of good luck changing hands.
6. The substance of the tale of cheating the Bawd (Kuttanivañcana) from Bhoja’s Srñgāramañjarikatha? is as follows :
A Brahmin got two sons at an advanced age. They were named Vişnudatta and Somadatta. When they came of age, they started to go abroad. For seven days they journeyed in midsummer through the terrific Vindhya forest on their stock of provisions and water was exhausted. Famished and exhausted, they rested under a banyan tree on a lake and at night kept watch in turn to guard against wild animals. At the third watch Somadatta heard a pair of doves (male and female) conversing to the effect that it was their duty to save the Brahmin boys, who happened to be their guests, from dying through hunger. They also made known the magic trait Sage Uttarka had said they possessed : whoever shall eat the male bird will become a ruler and whoever shall eat the female bird will find five hundred gold coins near his bed
