6. The Friendly Mongoose

Introduction: This is a story from the Panchatantra about a farmer, his wife, their baby, and a pet mongoose. It teaches us not to act in haste without thinking.

Summary

A farmer and his wife had a baby boy. They bought a baby mongoose as a companion for him. The mongoose grew up fast and became a lovely animal with two shining black eyes and a bushy tail.

One day, the farmer's wife went to the market leaving the baby alone with the mongoose. She asked her husband to keep an eye on the baby as she didn't like leaving him with an animal. But the husband also went out to check his fields.

While they were away, a black snake entered the house. The mongoose fought the snake and killed it to protect the baby. When the wife returned, she saw blood on the mongoose's mouth and paws. Thinking he had killed her baby, she hit the mongoose with a heavy basket in anger.

She ran inside and found the baby sleeping peacefully with a dead snake nearby. She realized her mistake and ran out to check on the mongoose, but he was already dead. She cried and repented for her hasty action.

Moral: Look before you leap. Acting in haste brings repentance.

Word Meanings

Companion: Partner / Friend.
Cradle: A baby's bed.
Customary: Usual / Normal.
Smeared: Covered / Stained.
Hysterical: Uncontrollably emotional (mad with grief).
Repent: To feel sorry for something done.

Question 1:

Why did the farmer bring a baby mongoose into the house?

Ans: The farmer and his wife had a baby boy. They wanted a pet who would be a companion to their son when he grew up. So the farmer brought a baby mongoose.

Question 2:

Why didn't the farmer’s wife want to leave the baby with the mongoose?

Ans: She didn't trust the mongoose because it was an animal. She was afraid that it might hurt her baby. She told her husband, "I don't like to leave the child alone with the mongoose."

Question 3:

What was the farmer’s comment on his wife’s fears?

Ans: The farmer said, "There's nothing to be afraid of. The mongoose is a friendly animal. It's as sweet as our baby and they are the best of friends, you know."

Question 4:

Why did the farmer’s wife strike the mongoose with her basket?

Ans: When she returned, she saw the mongoose's face and paws smeared with blood. She blindly thought that the mongoose had killed her baby. In anger, she hit it with the heavy basket full of groceries.

Question 5:

Did she repent her hasty action? How does she show her repentance?

Ans: Yes, she realized her mistake when she saw the dead snake. She ran out crying and touched the dead mongoose, saying "Oh! You saved my child! What have I done?" She stared long at the dead animal, showing her deep sorrow.

Grammar Rules: Past Tense

1. Simple Past

Used for completed actions in the past.

2. Formation

Regular verbs add -ed. Irregular verbs change form (Go -> Went, Eat -> Ate).

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