Page:A history of Sanskrit literature (1900), Macdonell, Arthur
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This page has been validated.  With abundant irony and satire
the most various human vices are exposed, among others the
hypocrisy and avarice of Brahmans, the intriguing character of
courtiers, and the faithlessness of women. A vigorous popular
spirit of reaction against Brahman pretensions here finds
expression, and altogether a sound and healthy view of life
prevails, forming a refreshing contrast to the exaggeration
found in many branches of Indian literature.  The following
translation of a short fable from the first book may serve as a
specimen of the style of the Panchatantra.  "There was in a
certain forest region a herd of monkeys. Once in the winter
season, when their bodies were shivering from contact with the
cold wind, and were buffeted with torrents of rain, they could
find no rest. So some of the monkeys, collecting gunja berries,
which are like sparks, stood round blowi