The Envoy of Belly – An interesting story from Jatak Story Collections

The prince of Varanasi went to Taxila for his education and training, while he return to place his father had died and he succeeded him as the king on the throne of Varanasi. As he was a dainty eater people called him King Dainty, he was so excessive in eating that he spent one hundred thousand pieces on one dish. He also had the habit to invite the people and made them look at what he ate. For this he had a pavilion built in front of his palace door and in its middle he got one golden dais constructed, where he sat and ate. Such that, when he ate, the people could watch him.

One day, when he was sitting and eating in front of the people, a man suddenly jumped on the dais and shouted that I am an envoy! I am an envoy!! As he introduced himself as an envoy, no body could dare to stop him. The man then scooped at one of the dishes, much to offend by standers considering his act to be rude, the soldiers drew out their sword to slay him. But the king stopped them and allowed the man to eat to his satisfaction. The man enjoyed all the luxurious dishes. When the man finished his meals, the king himself offered him water to drink and betel nut. Next, he asked him, whose envoy was he; and what message was he carrying.

The man said,

O king! I am the envoy and messenger of Belly

So, O lord of chariots don’t be angry

For the bellies sake men go very far

Even approaching an enemy they find no bar.

The king was satisfied with this reply. King admitted the truth of the statement and gave him hundred of cows in reward and retired to his chamber.