Once in the Baveru Island there went the merchants of Varanasi. They also carried a crow along with them. At the same time there was none of the bird to be seen in the island; and most people had not seen any bird in their whole life-time. So, when the crow was presented in the front of the people, there came a crowd of the people to look at the bird with great curiosity. Some stated that, “Look at its glossy color!” Some said, “Look at its silky fur! Some said, “Look at its pretty beak and its jeweled eye-balls!” Thus, the people honor the bird. Later on, they moved towards the merchants and said, “Sir you all might have several birds like this in your land. You sell this to us because you can find another like this in your land”. And they gave them one coin as the price for the bird. The merchants agreed to sell but insisted a higher price for the same. Finally, the deal was made and they agreed to it and the people bought the crow at the rate of one hundred coins.
The inhabitants of the Baveru island then carried the crow in a magnificent parade and placed it in a golden cage. The crow was treated with variety of meat, fish and wild fruits. Thus, a crow, which is known for ten evil characteristics, enjoyed all sorts of gains and praises.
Next time, when those merchants visited Baveru again, they brought a peacock with themselves. The peacock was trained to scream at the snapping of the fingers; and dance at the clapping of the hands. When the new bird was presented it amused the people more than before by its dance and voice. Without any doubt of course, the peacock appeared far more attractive than the crow. So, charmed with the new bird, the people went to the merchants and eagerly expressed their desire to buy it. They said to the merchants, “Sir you all might have several birds like this in your land. You sell this to us because you can find another in your land”
The merchants, who wanted a better agreement again, said, “Sir! We had first brought a crow and you took it from us. Now, we bought a peacock and you want to take that, too from us. Next time, we would not bring any bird to your land otherwise you would desire to buy that too.” But the people insisted and offered higher and higher price. Finally, the deal was agreed and they made it at the rate of one thousand coins.
The people then placed the peacock in a cage, which was made of seven different and precious jewels. They then treated the new bird with all sorts of fish and meat, honey and fried corn and so on. Since then the crow was hardly given any more attention. No body then offered it anything. So, one day, when it got an opportunity to move out it flew from the cage with its scream “caw, caw” and settled down on a dung-hill.
"Before the peacock could appear
The crow enjoyed all gains of fruits and meat and was honored
But ever since to Baveru the graceful voiced peacock came
The crow was shorn off all its gains and fame."