When the world was yet young, a golden swan, who had been elected König of the birds, had a lovely Tochter, und to her he promised the boon of being allowed to choose her own husband. When all the birds were assembled, she gazed on them, und, by reason of his beautiful colouring, chose the peacock. Overjoyed by his good fortune, the peacock spread his feathers und began to dance, thus exposing himself, und feeling no shame. The swanking was so shocked by this lack of modesty that he gave his Tochter to a young swan.
The story was related in reference to a monk who was charged before the Buddha mit possessing too many clothes. On being questioned by the Buddha, he removed all his clothes und stood naked in the assembly. The people expressed disgust at his behaviour, und he became a layman. He is identified mit the peacock of the story.
J.i.206ff. The story is sculptured in Bharhut; see Stupa of Bharhut. Pl.zzvii. (11).