Mahfil, vol. 1, no. 2 8 Nap:ai\1una (1911-) BEAUTY CONTEST A fish. from the Ganges... A fish from Jamuna... Both were friends; Lived, together, beyond the holy confluence. Once, it so happened, Jealousy took roots in both: "Who is the more beautiful? You or I?" As the day was already up They saw a tortoise on the sands Basking in the winter sun. The fish came closer, Bowed, and asked: "Tell us the truth, o holy man, Whose claim to beauty is more tenable?" Aged, learned, Baba Tortoise Nodded; watched the fish With unblinking eyes; and said: "0 fish of the Ganges, you're beautiful, 0 fish of Jamuna, you're beautiful, too. Both are right in your claims." "So we fought unnecessarily?" Shouted the fish, "Come, give us your frank opinion," "Shall I tell you the truth? 0 fish of the Ganges, you're beautiful. 0 fish of Jamuna, you're beautiful, too. But more beautiful than either of you Am I. Look at my crystal neck..., My back, like the spotted shade of the banyan tree.. These tiny eyes, like beads... Such beauty you couldn't have seen before,