The part of the great Buddha legend referring to the dragon is as follows:

In years gone by, a dragon living in the great sea saw that his wife’s health was not good. He, seeing her colour fade away, said: “My dear, what shall I get you to eat? ” Mrs Dragon was silent. Just tell me and I will get it,” pleaded the affectionate husband. “You cannot do it; why trouble?

” quoth she. “Trust me, and you shall have your heart’s desire,” said the dragon. “Well, I want a monkey’s heart to eat. ” “Why, Mrs Dragon, the monkeys live in the mountain forests! How can I get one of their hearts?

” “Well, I am going to die; I know I am.

Forthwith the dragon went on shore, and, spying a monkey on the top of a tree, said: “Hail, shining one, are you not afraid you will fall? ” “No, I have no such fear. ” “Why eat of one tree? Cross the sea, and you will find forests of fruit and flowers. ” “How can I cross?

” “Get on my back. ” The dragon with his tiny load went seaward, and then suddenly dived down. “Where are you going? ” said the monkey, with the salt water in his eyes and mouth. “Oh!

my dear sir! my wife is very sad and ill, and has taken a fancy to your heart. ” “What shall I do? ” thought the monkey. He then spoke, “Illustrious friend, why Page 212did not you tell me?

I left my heart on the top of the tree; take me back, and I will get it for Mrs Dragon. ” The dragon returned to the shore. As the monkey was tardy in coming down from the tree, the dragon said: “Hurry up, little friend, I am waiting. ” Then the monkey thought within himself, “What a fool this dragon is!

Then Buddha said to his followers: “At this time I was the monkey.”