part#1

The Scorpion and the Tortoise
Bidpai
A scorpion and a tortoise became such fast friends that they took a vow that they would never separate. So when it happened that one of them was obliged to leave his native land, the other promised to go with him. They had traveled only a short distance when they came to a wide river. The scorpion was now greatly troubled.
"Alas," he said, "you, my friend, can easily swim, but how can a poor scorpion like me ever get across this stream?"
"Never fear," replied the tortoise; "only place yourself squarely on my broad back and I will carry you safely over."