Whose prey ?

Sidharth and Dev Dutt were brothers but there was a lot of difference in their nature. Sidharth was always soft spoken, and used to love all including animals and birds. Whereas Dev Dutt was very naughty and always used to play with his bow and arrows, shooting at the innocent birds. Once he shot an arrow on a flying swan. The swan was hit badly and fell injured on the ground. Fortunately Sidharth who was walking in the garden, saw the injured swan falling on the ground. He at once removed the arrow and carefully nursed the swan. He washed his wound, applied some ointment and bandaged it tenderly. Soon the swan was well. Dev Dutt came running and demanded the swan from Sidharth, saying it is my prey, I have shot the arrow at it. Sidharth replied, no the swan is mine, I have saved it. When they both remained adamant on their points and none was willing to surrender, they finally decided to take the matter to the king for a final decision.

Both the brothers appeared in the court of the king Dev Dutt said that he has shot the arrow at the swan, so it is his prey. He should get it. Sidharth said that he has saved the swan, so he should get it. The king after hearing both the parties, said that the swan should be placed between both of them. Then they should call it one by one. Towards whom the swan goes, the swan will belong to him.

Both the brothers sat at a distance facing each other and the swan was placed in the centre. First Dev Dutt called the swan, the swan looked at him but did not move. The Sidharth called the swan lovingly, the swan rushed towards him.

The king said that case has been decided. The swan belongs to Sidharth.

The one who saves has more right than the one who kills.