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diff --git a/11738-h/11738-h.htm b/11738-h/11738-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6f8a178 --- /dev/null +++ b/11738-h/11738-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5280 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta name="generator" + content="HTML Tidy for Linux/x86 (vers 1st November 2002), see www.w3.org" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Hindoo Tales, by P. W. Jacob.</title> + + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em;} + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%;} + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .note {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} /* block indent */ + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; right: 100%; font-size: 8pt; justify: right;} /* page numbers */ + // --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> + </head> + + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11738 ***</div> + + <h1><font color="navy">HINDOO TALES</font></h1> + + <h3><font color="navy"><i>OR, THE ADVENTURES OF TEN PRINCES</i></font></h3> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2>FREELY TRANSLATED FROM THE SANSCRIT OF THE DASAKUMARACHARITAM</h2> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <h4>BY</h4> + + <h2>P. W. JACOB</h2> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <h6>STRAHAN & CO. 56 LUDGATE HILL, LONDON</h6> + + <h5>1873</h5> + <br /> + <br /> + + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p>CONTENTS</p> + <!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> + + <ul> + <li><a href="#TRANSLATORS_PREFACE"><b>TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#PRONUNCIATION_OF_PROPER_NAMES"><b>PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER + NAMES.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#HINDOO_TALES_OR_THE_ADVENTURES_OF_TEN_PRINCES"><b>HINDOO TALES <i>OR, + THE ADVENTURES OF TEN PRINCES</i></b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_SOMADATTA"><b>ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_PUSHPODBHAVA"><b>ADVENTURES OF + PUSHPODBHAVA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#MARRIAGE_OF_AVANTISUNDARI"><b>MARRIAGE OF + AVANTISUNDARI.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#FURTHER_ADVENTURES_OF_RAJAVAHANA"><b>FURTHER ADVENTURES OF + RÂJAVÂHANA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_APAHARAVARMA"><b>ADVENTURES OF + APAHÂRAVARMA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_UPAHARAVARMA"><b>ADVENTURES OF + UPAHÂRAVARMA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_ARTHAPALA"><b>ADVENTURES OF + ARTHAPÂLA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_PRAMATI"><b>ADVENTURES OF PRAMATI.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_MITRAGUPTA"><b>ADVENTURES OF MITRAGUPTA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_MANTRAGUPTA"><b>ADVENTURES OF + MANTRAGUPTA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#ADVENTURES_OF_VISRUTA"><b>ADVENTURES OF VISRUTA.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#LITERAL_TRANSLATIONS"><b>LITERAL TRANSLATIONS.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#PROPER_NAMES_ETC_OCCURRING_IN_THE_TALES"><b>PROPER NAMES, ETC., + OCCURRING IN THE TALES.</b></a><br /> + </li> + + <li><a href="#FOOTNOTES"><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></a><br /> + </li> + </ul> + <!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + <br /> + <a id="TRANSLATORS_PREFACE" name="TRANSLATORS_PREFACE"></a> + + <h2>TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>The Sanscrit work entitled "Dasakumaracharitam, or the Adventures of Ten Princes," + though printed more than twenty-five years ago, has not, as far as I can ascertain, + been translated into any European language. Many parts of it are written in such a + turgid "Oriental" style, that a close translation would be quite unsuitable to the + English reader. Such passages have therefore been much condensed; others, which are + hardly decent—or, as in the speech of the parasite in the last story, tedious + and uninteresting, have been omitted; but in general the original has been pretty + closely adhered to, and nothing has been added to it.</p> + + <p>The exact date of the composition of the "Dasakumaracharitam" is not known. It is + supposed to have been written about the end of the eleventh century, and was left + unfinished by the author; but as the story of the last narrator is almost finished, + not much could have been wanting to complete the work, and the reader may easily + imagine what the conclusion would have been.</p> + + <p>Some of the incidents correspond with those of the "Arabian Nights," but the + stories on the whole are quite different from anything found there, and give a lively + picture of Hindoo manners and morals. Unscrupulous deception, ready invention, + extreme credulity and superstition, and disregard of human life, are strongly + illustrated.</p> + + <p>The belief in the power of penance, which was supposed to confer on the person + practising it not merely personal sanctity, but even great supernatural powers, was + very generally entertained among the Hindoos, and is often alluded to here; as is + also transmigration, or the birth of the soul after death in a new body, human or + brute. Sufferings or misfortunes are attributed to sins committed in a former + existence, and in more than one story two persons are supposed to recollect having + many years before lived together as husband and wife.</p> + + <p>Much use also is made of the agency of supernatural beings; for besides numerous + gods, the Hindoos believe, or at least believed, in the existence of innumerable + beings, in some degree immortal, but liable to be killed even by men, swarming in the + air, generally invisible, but sometimes assuming a human or a more terrible form; + occasionally beneficent, but more commonly injurious to human beings.</p> + + <p>At the time when the original work was written, India appears to have been divided + into a large number of small kingdoms or principalities, the rulers of which are here + termed "Râja," a word almost adopted into our language, but which. I have + rendered by the equivalent and more familiar term "King."</p> + + <p>The numerous uncouth names, which cannot well be shortened or translated, will, it + is feared, cause some annoyance to the reader. As many as possible have been omitted, + and of those which occur a list is given in the Appendix, together with a few terms + which seemed to require explanation. This will save the reader the trouble of, + referring, when a name recurs, to the place where it is first mentioned in order to + find out to whom it belongs.</p> + + <p>The Appendix also contains a few pages of a very close literal translation, which + will enable the reader to form some idea of the nature and style of the original, and + to see how far it has been departed from in the preceding pages.</p> + + <p>P. W. J.</p> + + <p>GUILDFORD,<i>December</i>, 1872.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <a id="PRONUNCIATION_OF_PROPER_NAMES" name="PRONUNCIATION_OF_PROPER_NAMES"></a> + + <h2>PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES.</h2> + + <p>The vowel <i>â</i>, is always to be pronounced as in father.</p> + + <p>The vowel <i>a</i>, as in America, or as u in dull, i in bird, &c.</p> + + <p>The vowel <i>e</i>, always as a in cake.</p> + + <p>The vowel <i>í</i>, as e in cede, or ee in reed.</p> + + <p>The vowel <i>i</i>, as in pin.</p> + + <p>The vowel <i>ú</i>, as in flute.</p> + + <p>The vowel <i>u</i>, as in bull.</p> + + <p>Pati is therefore pronounced putty, &c.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <br /> + <br /> + <a id="HINDOO_TALES_OR_THE_ADVENTURES_OF_TEN_PRINCES" + name="HINDOO_TALES_OR_THE_ADVENTURES_OF_TEN_PRINCES"></a> + + <h2>HINDOO TALES <i>OR, THE ADVENTURES OF TEN PRINCES</i></h2> + <br /> + + + <p>There was formerly, in the most fertile part of India, a city called Pushpapuri, + the capital of Magadha, magnificent as a mine of jewels, abounding in every kind of + wealth, surpassing all other cities in splendour and prosperity.</p> + + <p>The sovereign of this city and country was Râjahansa, whose armies were + formidable with countless elephants and horses, whose glory was unsullied as the moon + in a cloudless sky, or the plumage of the swan, and whose fame was sung even by + celestial minstrels. Though a terror to his enemies, he was beloved by all his + subjects, and especially by the learned and pious brahmans, who were continually + employed in prayers and sacrifices to the gods, for the welfare of the king and his + people.</p> + + <p>The queen Vasumati was worthy of such a husband. She was of high birth and of a + sweet temper, and so great was her beauty that it seemed as if the god of love had + formed her for his own special delight, by uniting in her single person everything + that is most beautiful in the world.</p> + + <p>Among the king's counsellors were three appointed to the highest offices of state, + men of great probity and intelligence, who had been long in his father's service and + enjoyed his entire confidence. Their names were, Dharmapâla, Padmodbhava, and + Sitavarma.</p> + + <p>The first of these had three sons, Sumantra, Sumittra, and Kâmapâla; + the second, two, Susruta and Ratnodbhava; and the last had also two, Sumati and + Satyavarma.</p> + + <p>Of these sons the last-mentioned renounced worldly cares and employments, devoted + himself to religious meditation, and leaving home as a pilgrim, travelled into many + countries in order to visit the holy places which they contained.</p> + + <p>Kâmapâla was of an opposite character; he thought only of present + pleasure, frequented the company of gamblers and harlots, and roamed about the world + seeking amusement and dissipation.</p> + + <p>Ratnodbhava became a merchant, and in the way of traffic made many long journeys + by land and sea. The other sons, after their fathers' death, succeeded to their + offices, according to the custom of the country. When Râjahansa had reigned + some years, war broke out between him and the king of the adjoining country of + Mâlwa, the haughty and ambitious Mânasâra, whom he marched to + encounter with a numerous army, making the earth tremble with the tread of his + elephants, and disturbing even the dwellers in the sky with the clang of kettledrums + louder than the roar of the stormy ocean.</p> + + <p>Both armies were animated by equal rage, and terrible was the battle; the ground + where they met was first turned to dust by the wheels of the chariots and the + trampling of men and beasts, and then into mud through the streams of blood which + flowed from the slain and wounded.</p> + + <p>At last Râjahansa was victorious, the enemy was completely defeated, their + king taken prisoner, and all Mâlwa lay open to the conqueror. He, however, + having no wish to enlarge his dominions, released his prisoner on very easy terms, + and returning to Pushpapuri, thought only of governing his own kingdom in peace, not + expecting after such generous treatment any further trouble from his ambitious + neighbour.</p> + + <p>Though prosperous and happy in every other respect, the King of Magadha had one + great cause of sorrow and anxiety—he had no son to succeed him. Therefore, at + this time he made many prayers and offerings to Nârâyana the Creator of + the World, who, having been thus propitiated, signified to the queen in a dream that + she would bear a son; and not long afterwards her husband was gratified by the news + of her pregnancy.</p> + + <p>When the proper time arrived the king celebrated the ceremony called Simanta<a + id="FNanchor1" name="FNanchor1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> with + great magnificence, and invited several of the neighbouring kings to be present on + the occasion; among them was the King of Mithila, with his queen, a great friend of + Vasumati—to congratulate whom she had accompanied her husband.</p> + + <p>One day after this, when the king was sitting in council with his ministers, he + was informed that a certain venerable Yati was desirous to see him. On his admission + the king perceived that he was one of his secret emissaries; dismissing, therefore, + the rest of the counsellors, he withdrew to a private apartment, followed by one or + two of his most confidential ministers and the supposed Yati. He, bowing down to the + ground, said in answer to the king's inquiry, "In order the better to perform your + Majesty's commands, I have adopted this safe disguise, and have resided for some time + in the capital of Mâlwa, from whence I now bring very important news. The + haughty Mânasâra, brooding over his defeat, unmindful of your generous + forbearance, and only anxious to wipe off his disgrace, has been for a long time + endeavouring to propitiate with very severe penance the mighty Siva, whose temple is + at Mahâkâla, and he has so far succeeded that the god has given him a + magic club, very destructive of life and conducive to victory."</p> + + <p>"Through this weapon, and the favour of Siva, he now thinks himself a match for + you. He has for some time been strengthening his army, and will probably very soon + invade this country. Your Majesty having received this information, will decide what + ought to be done."</p> + + <p>On hearing this report the ministers consulted together and said to the king, + "This enemy is coming against us favoured by the gods, and you cannot hope to resist + him; we therefore advise that you should avoid fighting, and retire with your family + and treasure to a strong fortress."</p> + + <p>Although they urged this advice with many reasons, it was not acceptable to the + king, who determined to march at the head of his army against the invaders. When, + however, the enemy had actually entered the country, the ministers succeeded in + persuading their master to send away the queen and her attendants, and a part of the + treasure, to a strong fortress in the forest of Vindhya, guarded by veteran + soldiers.</p> + + <p>Presently the two armies met, the battle raged furiously, and + Mânasâra, eagerly seeking out his former conqueror, at last encountered + his chariot. Wielding the magic club, with one blow he slew the charioteer and caused + the king to fall down senseless.</p> + + <p>The horses being freed from control, suddenly turned round, dashed off at full + speed from the field, and never stopped till, utterly exhausted, they had dragged the + chariot with the still insensible king very near to the fortress to which the queen + had retreated.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, some of the fugitives from the battle, having reached the fortress, + told the queen what had happened, and she, overwhelmed by grief at the death of her + husband, determined not to survive him. Perceiving her purpose, the old brahmans and + faithful counsellors, who had accompanied her, endeavoured, to dissuade her, saying, + "O glorious lady, we have no certain information of the king's death: moreover, + learned astrologers have declared that the child to be born of you is destined to + become a mighty sovereign, therefore do not act rashly or end so precious a life + while the least hope remains."</p> + + <p>Apparently influenced by these reasons, eloquently urged, the queen remained + silent, and seemed to renounce her purpose, but at midnight, unable to sleep, and + oppressed by intolerable grief, she rose up, and evading her sleeping attendants and + the guards outside, went into the forest, and there, after many passionate + lamentations and prayers that she might rejoin her beloved husband, she formed a rope + by twisting a part of her dress, and was preparing to hang herself with it from the + branch of a tree, very near to the place where the chariot was standing concealed by + the thick foliage.</p> + + <p>Just then the king, revived by the cool night wind, recovered consciousness, and + hearing his wife's voice, softly called her by name. She, hardly believing her senses + for joy, cried out loudly for help, and soon brought to her assistance some of the + attendants, who carried him gently into the fort, where his wounds were dressed and + found not to be dangerous.</p> + + <p>After a short time, more of those who had escaped joined the king; and when he was + sufficiently recovered, the charming Vasumati, instructed by the ministers, said to + him, "All your dominions are lost except this fortress; but such is the power of + fate; prosperity, like a bubble on the water, or a flash of lightning, appears and + disappears in a moment. Former kings, Râmachandra and others, at least as great + as yourself, were deprived of their kingdoms, and suffered for a long time the + hardships of adversity; yet, through patience and perseverance and the will of fate, + they were at last restored to all their former splendour. Do you therefore imitate + them, and, laying aside all anxiety, devote yourself to prayer and meditation."</p> + + <p>To this advice the king gave ear, and went to consult a very celebrated rishi, + Vâmadeva, intending, under his directions, to engage in such penance as might + lead to the accomplishment of his wishes.</p> + + <p>Having been well received by the holy man, he said to him: "O father, having heard + of your great piety and wisdom, I have come hither for guidance and help in a great + calamity. Mânasâra, King of Mâlwa, has overcome me, and now holds + the kingdom which ought to be mine. I will shrink from no penance which you shall + advise, if by such means I may obtain the favour of the gods, and be restored to my + former power."</p> + + <p>Vâmadeva, well acquainted with all past, present, and future events, thus + answered him: "O friend, there is no need of penance in your case; only wait + patiently; a son will certainly be born to you who will crush all your enemies and + restore your fortunes." Then a voice was heard in the air, saying, "This is + true."</p> + + <p>The king, fully believing the prophecy of the muni, thus miraculously confirmed, + returned to the forest, resolved to await patiently the fulfilment of the promise; + and shortly afterwards the queen brought forth a son possessing all good marks,<a + id="FNanchor2" name="FNanchor2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> to whom + his father gave the name of Râjavâhana.</p> + + <p>About the same time also sons were born to his four ministers. They were named + severally Pramati, Mitragupta, Mantragupta, and Visruta, and were brought up together + with the young prince.</p> + + <p>Some time after the birth of these children, a certain muni brought a very + beautiful boy to the king, and said: "Having gone lately into the forest to collect + kusa-grass<a id="FNanchor3" name="FNanchor3"></a><a + href="#Footnote_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> and fuel, I met a woman, evidently in great + distress. When I questioned her, she wiped away her tears, and told me, with a voice + broken by sobs, that she was a servant of Prahâravarma, King of + Mithila—that he, with his family, had gone to Pushpapuri, to be present at the + Simanta festival of the queen, and had stayed there some time after the departure of + the other guests; that at that time the King of Mâlwa, furnished with a magic + weapon, had invaded the country; that in the battle which ensued, Prahâravarma + had assisted his friend with the few soldiers who accompanied him, and had been taken + prisoner, but had been liberated by the conqueror; that on his return he had been + attacked in the forest by Bheels, and had repulsed them with difficulty. 'I and my + daughter,' she continued, 'who had charge of the king's twin children, were separated + from the rest in the confusion, and lost our way in the forest. There we suddenly + came upon a tiger. In my fright, I stumbled and fell, and dropped the child, which I + was carrying, on the carcase of a cow with which the tiger had been engaged. At that + moment an arrow struck and killed the tiger. I fainted away, and when I recovered, I + found myself quite alone; my daughter had disappeared, and the child, as I suppose, + was carried off by the Bheels, who shot the beast. After a time I was found by a + compassionate cowherd, who took care of me till my wounds were healed; and I am now + wandering about in the hope of finding the boy, and of hearing some tidings of my + daughter and the other child.' After giving me this account, she went on her way + again, and I, distressed that the son of your majesty's friend should be in such + hands, determined to set out in search of him.</p> + + <p>"After some days I came to a small temple of Durgâ, where a party of Bheels + were about to make the child an offering to the goddess, in the hope of obtaining + success through her favour; and they were then deliberating in what manner they + should kill him, whether by hanging him on the branch of a tree and cutting him to + pieces with swords, or by partly burying him in the ground and shooting at him with + arrows, or by worrying him with young dogs.</p> + + <p>"Then I went up to them very humbly, and said: 'O Kirâtas, I am an old + brahman; having lost my way in the forest, I laid down my child whom I was carrying, + while I went away for a moment to try to find an opening out of the dense thicket; + when I came back he was gone. I have been searching for him ever since; have you seen + him?' 'Is this your child?' said they. 'O yes!' I exclaimed. 'Take him, then,' they + replied; 'we respect a brahman.' Thus I got possession of the boy, and, blessing them + for their kindness, took him away as quickly as possible, and have now brought him + here, thinking he will be best under your majesty's protection."</p> + + <p>The king, though grieved at the calamity of his friend, rejoiced that the child + was saved from such a death; and giving him the name of Upahâravarma, had him + brought up as his own son.</p> + + <p>Not long after this, Râjahansa went to bathe at a holy place, and in + returning, as he passed by a group of Chandâlas, he observed a woman carrying a + very beautiful boy. Being struck by the appearance of the child, he said "Where did + you get this beautiful boy, who is like a king's son? Surely he is not your own + child! pray tell me."</p> + + <p>She answered: "When the Bheels attacked and plundered the King of Mithila near our + village, this child was picked up and brought to me by my husband, and I have taken + care of him ever since."</p> + + <p>The king being convinced that this was the other child of his friend, the King of + Mithila, by fair words and gifts induced the woman to give him up, and took him to + the queen, giving him the name of Apahâravarma, and begging her to bring him up + with her own son.</p> + + <p>Soon afterwards, a disciple of Vâmadeva brought a beautiful boy to the king, + and said "As I was returning from a pilgrimage to Râmatirtha, I saw an old + woman carrying this child, and asked her how she came to be wandering there. In + answer to my questions, she told me her story, saying, 'I was the servant of a rich + man, named Kâlagupta, living in the island of Kâlayavana, and I waited on + his daughter Suvritta. One day a young merchant, named Ratnodbhava, son of a minister + of the King of Magadha, arrived in the island, and having become acquainted with my + master, he married his beautiful daughter.</p> + + <p>"'After some time, he was desirous of visiting his family, and being unwilling to + leave behind his young wife, who was then not far from childbirth, he took her with + him, and me as her nurse.</p> + + <p>"'We embarked on board a ship, and had at first a favourable voyage; but when + approaching the land, we were overtaken by a storm, and a great wave broke over the + ship, which went down almost immediately. I found myself in the water near my young + mistress, and managed to support her till we got hold of a plank, by means of which + we at last reached the shore. Whether my master was saved or not I do not know, but I + fear that he perished with the rest of those on board, whom we never saw again.</p> + + <p>"'The coast where we landed appeared to be uninhabited, and the poor lady, being + unable to walk far, after much suffering of mind and body, gave birth to this child + under a tree in the forest. I have just left her, in the hope of finding some village + where I may obtain assistance; and by her wish I have brought the child with me, + since she is incapable of taking care of it.'</p> + + <p>"The woman had hardly finished speaking when a wild elephant, breaking through the + bushes, came suddenly upon us, and she was so frightened that she let the child fall, + and ran away.</p> + + <p>"I hid myself behind a tree, and saw the elephant take up the child with his + trunk, as if about to put it into its mouth. At that moment he was attacked by a + lion, and let the child fall. When the two beasts had moved from the spot, I came + from my hiding-place just in time to see the child taken up by a monkey, who ran up a + high tree. Presently the beast let the child drop, and as it fell on a leafy branch, + I took it up uninjured by the fall, or the other rough treatment which it had + received.</p> + + <p>"After searching for the woman some time in vain, I took the child to my master, + the great muni Vâmadeva, and I have now brought it to you by his command."</p> + + <p>The king, astonished at the preservation of the child under such adverse + circumstances, and hoping that Ratnodbhava might have escaped from the shipwreck, + sent for Susruta to take charge of his brother's child, to whom he gave the name of + Pushpodbhava.</p> + + <p>Some days after this the queen went up to her husband with a child in her arms, + and told him, when he expressed his surprise "Last night I was suddenly awakened from + sleep and saw a beautiful lady standing before me, holding this child. She said to + me: 'O queen, I am a Yaksha, daughter of Manibhadra, and wife of + Kâmapâla, the son of your husband's late minister, Dharmapâla; by + command of Kuvera, I have brought this my child to you, that he may enter the service + of your son, who is destined to become a mighty monarch.'</p> + + <p>"I was too much astonished to ask her any question, and she, having laid down the + child near me, disappeared."</p> + + <p>The king, greatly surprised, especially that Kâmapâla should have + married a Yaksha, sent for the child's uncle, Sumittra, and committed the boy to his + care, giving him the name of Arthapâla.</p> + + <p>Not long after this another disciple of Vâmadeva brought a very beautiful + child to the king, and said: "My lord, I have lately been on a pilgrimage to several + holy places, and on my way back, happening to be on the bank of the river + Kâvari, I saw a woman carrying this child, and evidently in great distress. On + being questioned by me, she wiped away her tears, and with difficulty told me her + story, saying, 'O brahman, Satyavarma, the youngest son of Sitavarma, a minister of + the King of Magadha, after travelling about a long time, visiting all holy places as + a pilgrim, came to this country, and here married a Brahman's daughter, named + Kâli. Having no children by her, he took as his second wife her sister + Gaurí, and by her he had one son, this child.</p> + + <p>"'Then the first wife, envious of her sister, determined to destroy the child; and + having, with some false pretence, enticed me, when I was carrying the child, to the + bank of the river, she pushed us in. I contrived to hold my charge with one hand, and + to swim with the other till I met with an uprooted tree carried down by the rapid + current. To this I clung, and after floating a long distance, was able at last to + land at this place; but in getting away from the tree I disturbed a black serpent + which had taken refuge there, and having been bitten by it, I now feel that I am + dying.' As she spoke, the poison began to take greater effect, and she fell on the + ground.</p> + + <p>"After trying in vain the power of charms, I went to look for some herb which + might serve as an antidote; but when I returned the poor creature was dead.</p> + + <p>"I was much perplexed at this occurrence, especially as she had not told me the + name of the village from which she came, nor could I conjecture how far off it might + be, so that I was unable to take the child to its father.</p> + + <p>"Therefore, after collecting wood and burning the body, I have brought the child + to you, thinking that he will be best taken care of under your protection."</p> + + <p>The king, astonished that so many children should have been brought in such a + wonderful manner, and distressed at not knowing where to find Satyavarma, gave the + child the name of Somadatta, and committed him to the care of his uncle, Sumati, who + received him with great affection.</p> + + <p>These nine boys, thus wonderfully collected together, became the associates and + play-fellows of the young prince, and were educated together with him.</p> + + <p>When they were all nearly seventeen, their education was regarded as complete, for + they had not only been taught the vedas and the commentaries on them, several + languages, grammar, logic, philosophy, &c., but were well acquainted with poetry, + plays, and all sorts of tales and stories; were accomplished in drawing and music, + skilled in games, sleight of hand and various tricks, and practised in the use of + weapons. They were also bold riders and drivers of horses and elephants; and even + clever thieves, able to steal without detection; so that Râjahansa was + exceedingly delighted at seeing his son surrounded by a band of such brave, active, + clever companions and faithful followers. One day about this time Vâmadeva came + to visit the king, by whom he was received with great respect and reverence. Seeing + the prince perfect in beauty, strength, and accomplishments, and surrounded by such + companions, he said to Râjahansa: "Your wish for a son has indeed been fully + gratified, since you have one who is all that you could desire. It is now time for + him to go out into the world and prepare himself for the career of conquest to which + he is destined.".</p> + + <p>The king listened respectfully to the advice of the muni, and determined to be + guided by it; having therefore given his son good advice, he sent him forth at a + propitious hour, to travel about in search of adventure, accompanied by his nine + friends.</p> + + <p>After travelling for some days, they entered the forest of Vindhya, and when + halting there for the night they saw a rough-looking man, having all the appearance + of a Bheel, but wearing the sacred cord which is the characteristic of a brahman.</p> + + <p>The prince, surprised at such an incongruity, asked him who he was, how he came to + be living in such a wild place, and how, with all the appearance of a forester, he + was wearing the brahminical cord.</p> + + <p>The man, seeming to be aware that his questioner was a person of importance, + answered respectfully, "O prince, there are in this forest certain nominal brahmans, + who, having abandoned the study of the vedas, religious obligations, and family + duties, are devoted to all sorts of sinful practices, and act as leaders of robber + bands, associating with their followers and living as they live.</p> + + <p>"I, Matanga by name, am the son of one of these, and was brought up to be a robber + like them. Since I have been grown up I have often assisted in plundering + expeditions, when they would fall suddenly on some defenceless village, and carry + away not only all the property on which they could lay their hands, but several of + the richest of the inhabitants, whom they would keep prisoners till a ransom had been + paid, or till, compelled by torture, they confessed where their money was + concealed.</p> + + <p>"On one of these occasions, when my companions were ill-treating a brahman, I was + seized by a sudden feeling of compassion and remonstrated with them. Finding words of + no avail, I stood before him, and was killed by my own men while fighting on his + behalf.</p> + + <p>"After death I went down to the regions below, and was taken before Yama, the + judge of the dead, sitting on a great throne inlaid with jewels.</p> + + <p>"When the god saw me prostrate before him he called one of his attendants and + said: 'The time for this man's death is not arrived, and moreover, he was killed in + defending a brahman; therefore, after showing him the tortures of the wicked, let him + return to his former body, in which he will in future lead a holy life.'</p> + + <p>"By him I was shown some sinners tied to red-hot iron bars, some thrown into great + tubs of boiling oil, some beaten with clubs, some cut to pieces with swords; after + which my spirit re-entered the body, and I awoke to consciousness, lying alone, + grievously wounded, in the forest.</p> + + <p>"In this state I was found by some of my relations, who carried me home and took + care of me till my wounds were healed.</p> + + <p>"Shortly after this I met with the brahman whom I had rescued, and he, grateful + for the service which I had rendered him, read to me some religious books, and taught + me the due performance of religious rites, especially the proper way of worshipping + Siva.</p> + + <p>"When he considered me sufficiently instructed, he quitted me, giving me his + blessing, and receiving many thanks from me for his kindness.</p> + + <p>"Since then I have separated myself from all my former associates, and have lived + a life of penance and meditation in this forest, endeavouring to atone for my past + sins, and especially seeking, to propitiate the mighty deity who has the half-moon + for his crest; and now, having told you my history, I have something to communicate + which concerns you alone, and beg you to withdraw with me to hear it in private."</p> + + <p>The two then went aside from the rest of the party, and the stranger said, "O + prince, last night, during sleep, Siva appeared to me and addressed me thus: + 'Matanga, I am pleased with your devotions; they shall now have their reward. North + of this place, on the bank of the river which flows through the Dandaka forest, there + is a remarkable rock, glittering with crystal and marked with the footsteps of + Gaurí. Go thither; in the side of the rock you will see a yawning chasm, enter + it and search till you find a copper plate with letters engraved on it; follow the + directions therein contained, and you will become King of Pâtâla. That + you may know this not to be a mere dream, a king's son will come to this place + to-morrow, and he will be your companion in the journey.'</p> + + <p>"I have in consequence anxiously awaited your coming, and now entreat you to go + with me to the place pointed out in the vision."</p> + + <p>The curiosity of the prince was much excited by Matanga's story, and he readily + promised to be his companion; fearing, however, that his friends would be opposed to + his purpose, he did not on his return tell them anything of what he had heard, and at + midnight, when they were all fast asleep, he slipped away without disturbing them, + and went to join Matanga, who was waiting for him at a place which had been agreed + on, and the two walked on till they came to the rock indicated by Siva in the + vision.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, the rest of the party, uneasy at the disappearance of the prince, + sought for him all over the forest, and not finding him, determined to disperse, and + continue the search in different countries; and having arranged where to meet again, + took leave of each other, and set out separately in different directions.</p> + + <p>Matanga, entirely believing the vision, and rendered still more confident by the + companionship of the prince, fearlessly entered the cavern, found the copper plate + and read the words engraved on it. Following the directions therein contained, they + went on in darkness, groping their way through long passages, till at last they saw + light before them and arrived at the subterranean country of Pâtâla.</p> + + <p>After walking some distance further, they came to a small lake, surrounded by + trees, with a city in view.</p> + + <p>Here they stopped, and Matanga begging the prince to watch and guard against + interruption, collected a quantity of wood and lighted a large fire, into which he + threw himself with many charms and incantations, and presently came forth with a new + body full of youth, beauty, and vigour, to the great astonishment of his + companion.</p> + + <p>Hardly was this change effected, when they saw coming towards them from the city a + procession, headed by a beautiful young lady splendidly dressed, and adorned with + very costly jewels. Approaching Matanga, she made a low obeisance, and, without + speaking, put a very precious gem into his hand. Being questioned by him, she + answered, with tears in her eyes and in a soft musical voice, "O excellent brahman, I + am the daughter of a chief of Asuras, and my name is Kalindí; my father, the + ruler of this subterranean world, was slain by Vishnu whom he had offended, and as he + had no son, I was left his heir and successor, and suffered great distress and + perplexity.</p> + + <p>"Some time ago I consulted a very holy Siddha, who had compassion on me, and told + me, 'After a time, a certain mortal, having a heavenly body, will come down here from + the upper world; he will become your husband, and reign prosperously with you over + all Pâtâla'.</p> + + <p>"Trusting to this prophecy, I have waited impatiently, longing for your coming as + a Châtaka longs for rain, and am now come, with the consent of my ministers and + people, to offer you my hand and kingdom."</p> + + <p>Matanga, delighted at such a speedy fulfilment of the promise given in the vision, + gladly accepted her offer, and with the approbation of his companion, was soon + afterwards married to her amid great festivity.</p> + + <p>Râjavâhana was treated with great respect and kindness by Matanga and + his bride; but after seeing all the wonders of the place, his curiosity was + satisfied, and he was desirous of returning to the upper world.</p> + + <p>At his departure, a magic jewel was given him by Kalindí, which had the + power of keeping off from the possessor of it hunger, thirst, fatigue, and other + discomforts; and Matanga accompanied him for a part of the way. Walking through + darkness as before, the prince at last reached the mouth of the cavern and came forth + into the open air.</p> + + <p>Having missed all his companions, he was uncertain where to direct his steps, and + wandered on till he came to a large park, outside a city, where a great concourse of + people was assembled, and he there sat down to rest.</p> + + <p>As he sat watching the various groups, he saw a young man enter the park, + accompanied by a lady and followed by a numerous retinue, and they both got into one + of the swings placed there for the amusement of the festal crowd.</p> + + <p>Presently the eye of the new-comer rested on the prince; with signs of great joy + he jumped down, exclaiming, "O what happiness! That is my lord + Râjavâhana," and, running to him, bowed down to his feet, saying "Great + is my good fortune in meeting you again." Râjavâhana, affected by equal + pleasure, warmly embraced him, saying, "O my dear friend Somadatta, how happy I am to + see you once more!"</p> + + <p>Then they sat down together under a shady tree, and the prince inquired: "What + have you been doing all this time? Where have you been? Who is this lady? And how did + you get all these attendants?" Somadatta, thus questioned, began the recital of what + he had done and seen.</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_SOMADATTA" name="ADVENTURES_OF_SOMADATTA"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>My lord, having great anxiety on your account, I wandered about in various + countries. One day, when stooping to drink from a cool, clear stream, near a forest, + I saw something bright under the water, and having taken it up, found it to be a ruby + of very great value.</p> + + <p>Exhausted by fatigue and the scorching heat of the sun, I went into a small temple + to rest, and saw there a brahman with a number of children, all looking wretched and + half-starved. He seemed to regard me as a possible benefactor, and when questioned, + readily told me his story; how his wife had died, leaving him with the care of all + these children, and how, having no means of subsistence, he had wandered about in the + hope of obtaining some employment; but had got nothing better than the charge of this + small temple, where the offerings were not sufficient to support him and his + family.</p> + + <p>I asked him—"What is that camp which I see at some distance?"</p> + + <p>He answered—"The Lord of Lâta, Mattakâla by name, hearing again + and again of the great beauty of Vâmalochana, daughter of Víraketu, + sovereign of this country, asked her in marriage, and was refused. Being determined + to obtain her, he raised an army and besieged Pâtali, the capital city. + Víraketu finding himself unable to resist the enemy, purchased peace by giving + up his daughter, and Mattakâla, thinking that the marriage can be celebrated + with greater magnificence in his own country, has deferred it till his return. He is + now on his way home with a small part of his army, the rest having been dismissed; + and he is staying at present near this forest to enjoy the pleasures of the chase. + The princess is not with her intended husband, but under the care of + Mânapâla, one of her father's officers, who is said to be very indignant + at the surrender of the lady; you may see his camp at no great distance from the + other."</p> + + <p>While thanking the poor man for his information, a thought came into my + mind—here is a very poor and deserving man, I will give him the jewel which I + have found; and I did so.</p> + + <p>He received the gift with profuse thanks, and set out immediately to try to + dispose of it; while I lay down there to sleep.</p> + + <p>After a time I was awakened by a great clamour, and saw the brahman coming towards + me with his hands tied behind him, driven along, with blows of a whip and much abuse, + by a party of soldiers.</p> + + <p>On seeing me, he called out, "There is the thief; that is the man who gave me the + jewel."</p> + + <p>Upon this the soldiers let him go, and, seizing me, refused to listen to my + remonstrances, or to my account of the manner in which I had found the ruby. They + dragged me along with them, and having put fetters on my feet, thrust me into a + dungeon, saying, "There are your companions," pointing at the same time to some other + prisoners confined in that place.</p> + + <p>When I recovered my senses—for I was half stunned by the violence with which + I had been pushed in—I said to my fellow-prisoners, "Who are you, and what did + the soldiers mean by calling you my companions? for you are quite strangers to + me."</p> + + <p>Those prisoners then told me the story of the King of Lâta, which I had + already heard from the brahman, and further said, "We were sent by + Mânapâla to assassinate that king, and broke into the place where we + supposed him to be. Not finding him, we were unwilling to come away empty-handed; we + therefore carried off everything of value within our reach and made our escape to the + forest. The next morning there was an active pursuit, our hiding-place was + discovered, we were all captured, and the stolen property taken from us, with the + exception of one ruby of great value, which had disappeared. The king is exceedingly + angry that this cannot be found; our assertion that we have lost it is disbelieved, + and we are threatened with torture to-morrow, unless we say where it is hidden."</p> + + <p>Having heard the robbers' story, I was convinced that the ruby in question was the + one which I had found and given to the brahman, and I now understood why these men + were supposed to be my accomplices.</p> + + <p>I told them who I was, how I had found the jewel, and had been unjustly arrested + on account of it, and exhorted them to take courage and join me in an attempt to + escape that night. To this they agreed, and at midnight we managed to overpower the + jailors and knock off our fetters; and having armed ourselves with weapons which we + found in the prison, we cut our way through the guards, and reached + Mânapâla's camp in safety. The next day, men sent by the King of + Lâta came to Mânapâla, and said—"Some robbers, who were + caught after breaking into the king's dwelling, have made their escape, and are known + to have come here; give them up immediately, or it will be the worse for you."</p> + + <p>Mânapâla, who only wanted an excuse for a quarrel, having heard this + insulting message, his eyes red with anger, answered,—"Who is the King of + Lâta, that I should bow down to him? What have I to do with that low fellow? + Begone!"</p> + + <p>When the men returned to their master and told him the reception they had met + with, he was in a furious rage, and, disregarding the smallness of the force which + was with him, marched out at once to attack Mânapâla, who was quite + prepared to meet him.</p> + + <p>When I entered the camp, after my escape, Mânapâla, who received from + his servants an exaggerated account of my coolness, dexterity, and courage, had + treated me with great honour, and now I offered my services in the approaching fight. + They were gladly accepted, and I was furnished with an excellent chariot and horses + guided by a skilful charioteer, a strong coat of mail, a bow and two quivers full of + arrows, as well as with other weapons.</p> + + <p>Thus equipped, I went forth to meet the enemy, and seeking out the leader, soon + found myself near him. First confusing him with arrows poured upon him in rapid + succession, I brought my chariot close to his, and suddenly springing into it, cut + off his head at a blow.</p> + + <p>Seeing the king fall, his soldiers were discouraged, and fled; the camp was taken, + much booty gained, and the princess led back, to her father. He having received an + account of the victory, and of my share in it, through a messenger sent from + Mânapâla, came forth to meet us when we entered the city, and received me + with great honour. After a time, as I continued daily to increase in favour with him, + he bestowed on me the hand of his daughter, and declared me his successor.</p> + + <p>Being thus arrived at the height of prosperity and happiness, I had but one cause + of sorrow—my absence from you. I am on my way to Mahâkâla, to + worship Siva there. I have stopped at this place, hoping, at a festival so much + frequented, I might at least hear some tidings of you, and now the god has favoured + his worshipper, and through this happy meeting all my wishes are fulfilled.</p> + + <p>Râjavâhana, who delighted in valour, having heard Somadatta's story, + while expressing his sorrow for his undeserved imprisonment, congratulated him on the + happy result of it, and told him his own adventures.</p> + + <p>He had scarcely finished the relation of them when a third person came up, and the + prince, warmly greeting him, exclaimed, "O, Somadatta, here is Pushpodbhava." Then + there were mutual embracings and rejoicings, after which they all three sat down + again, and Râjavâhana said: "Somadatta has told me his adventures, but I + know nothing of the rest of my friends. What did you do when you missed me that + morning in the forest?" Then Pushpodbhava respectfully spoke as follows:—</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_PUSHPODBHAVA" name="ADVENTURES_OF_PUSHPODBHAVA"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF PUSHPODBHAVA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>My lord, your friends being convinced that you had gone on some expedition with + the brahman, and knowing nothing of the direction which you had taken, were greatly + perplexed. At last we agreed to separate, each going a different way, and I, like the + rest, set out by myself. One day, being unable to bear the heat of the noonday sun, I + sat down in the shade of a tree at the bottom of a mountain. Happening to look up, I + saw a man falling from the rock above, and he came to the ground very near me.</p> + + <p>On going up to him, I found that he was still alive, and having revived him by + throwing cold water over him, and by other means, I found that he had no bone broken, + and did not appear to have received any serious injury.</p> + + <p>When he was sufficiently recovered, I asked him who he was and how he came to fall + from the precipice. With tears in his eyes, and a feeble voice, he said: "My name is + Ratnodbhava; I am the son of a minister of the King of Magadha; travelling about as a + merchant, I came, many years ago, to the island of Kâlayavana. There I married + a merchant's daughter, and going with her by sea to visit my relations, was overtaken + by a violent storm, during which the ship sank, and I was the only person saved.</p> + + <p>"After reaching the shore, I wandered about for some time in a strange country, + and, unable to bear my misery, was about to put an end to my life, when I was stopped + by a Siddha, who assured me that after sixteen years I should find my wife. Trusting + to this promise, I have endured life through all these years; but the appointed time + having passed without any sign of the fulfilment of the prophecy, I could hold out no + longer, and threw myself from the top of this precipice."</p> + + <p>At that moment the voice of a woman in distress was heard not far off, and saying + to him whom I recognised as my father, "Take courage, I have good news for you; only + wait a moment," I ran off in the direction of the place whence the voice had + proceeded, and soon came in sight of a large fire and two women near it, the one + trying to throw herself into the flames, the other struggling to prevent her. Going + to the help of the latter, I soon got the lady away, and brought her and her + companion to the place where my father was lying. I then said to the old woman, "Pray + tell me what all this means? How came you to be in such a place, and why did the lady + wish to destroy herself?"</p> + + <p>With a voice broken by sobs, she answered me: "This lady, whose name is Suvritta, + is the daughter of a merchant in the island of Kâlayavana, and the wife of + Ratnodbhava. While crossing the sea with her husband, there was a great storm, the + ship sank, and this lady and I, her nurse, were the only persons saved. A few days + afterwards she gave birth to a son in the forest; but through my ill-fortune the + child was lost, having been seized by a wild elephant. Afterwards we two wandered + about in great misery, and she would have put an end to her life had we not met with + a holy man, who comforted her with the assurance that after sixteen years she would + be reunited with her husband and son. Relying on this prophecy, she consented to + wait, and we have spent all these years living near his hermitage; but the sixteen + years were ended some time ago, and having lost all hope, she was about to end her + wretched life by throwing herself into a fire which she had made, when you so + opportunely came to my assistance."</p> + + <p>Hearing this story, my father was unable to speak from astonishment. I made him + known to my mother, and myself to both of them, to their very great joy; and my + mother seemed as if she would never weary of kissing and embracing me.</p> + + <p>After a time, when we were all more composed, my father began to inquire about the + king and his own relations, for during all these years he had heard nothing of them. + I told him everything—how the king had been defeated, and had been living in + the forest; your birth, and the wonderful preservation of myself and my companions; + how we had all set out together; how we had lost you, and how I was now searching for + you.</p> + + <p>As soon as my father was able to walk, I placed him and my mother under the care + of a certain muni, not very far off, and set out again on my travels. Just at this + time I had heard that under the ruins of an ancient city, overgrown by trees, a great + treasure was supposed to be concealed; and as I possessed a magic ointment which, + when applied to the eyes, enabled me to see through the ground, I determined to try + to dig it up. I therefore got together some strong young men with the promise of good + pay, went to the place, and succeeded in finding a large quantity of gold and silver + coin. While I was thus engaged, a caravan of merchants came to that neighbourhood, + and halted there for a day or two. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I purchased + of them sacks for holding the coin, and some strong oxen to carry them. I then + dismissed my men, well satisfied with their share, and joined the caravan, where I + soon made friends with the leader, the son of a merchant at Oujein, to which place he + was then going.</p> + + <p>On our arrival at the city, he introduced me to his father, Bandhupâla, by + whose means I obtained permission from the King of Mâlwa to reside there. When + I had taken a house, safely deposited the money, and established my parents in it, I + was anxious to set out again in search of you.</p> + + <p>Bandhupâla, seeing this, said to me: "You have already spent much time in + searching for your friend, and may spend much more in the same manner to no purpose, + if you have no clue to guide you. Now I am skilled in augury and the language of + birds; it is probable that I may obtain some indications for you; wait, therefore, + patiently for the present. Meanwhile, my house is always open to you."</p> + + <p>To this I agreed, and having great pleasure in his society, was much with him, and + soon had other attractions there, for I fell in love with his beautiful daughter, + Bâlachandrika.</p> + + <p>Though I had not declared my passion, I was convinced, from her looks and from + many things which I observed, that she was equally in love with me, and therefore + anxiously sought an opportunity of speaking to her in private.</p> + + <p>One day, Bandhupâla, wishing to obtain information about you by listening to + the voices of birds, went with me into a park near the city, and while he waited + under the trees, hearing the birds, I walked on, and had the good fortune to see my + beloved alone, in another part of the park.</p> + + <p>Although she was evidently pleased at seeing me, and did not reject my suit, I + observed that she was distressed and dispirited, and inquired the cause.</p> + + <p>She told me, "Some time ago the old king abdicated in favour of his son + Darpasâra, who is now gone on a pilgrimage to the Himâlaya Mountains, + having first appointed as joint regents the two sons of his father's sister, + Charmavarma and Dâruvarma.</p> + + <p>"The former of these two alone has the management of affairs; for the latter, + given up to evil deeds, makes use of his power only for the indulgence of his + licentious passions.</p> + + <p>"He has seen me during my attendance on the Princess Avantisundari, has + endeavoured to seduce me, and I am in constant fear of his violence, for he hesitates + at nothing in the indulgence of his wicked desires."</p> + + <p>She told me this reluctantly, and with much agitation; but I comforted her with + the assurance of my love, and the promise of finding some means to free her from his + annoyance.</p> + + <p>After some reflection, I said to her, "This is the plan which I propose. Your + friends must give out in public that a certain Siddha has + declared—'Bâlachandrika is guarded by a demon, who will allow no man to + have intercourse with her without his consent. Whoever, therefore, wishes to marry + her, must first pass one night in company with her and one female friend, and if he + comes out uninjured, or is able to overcome the demon, he may then safely marry + her.'</p> + + <p>"If Dâruvarma, on hearing this, shall be alarmed, and abstain from further + annoyance, so much the better; if, on the other hand, he persists in his wicked + purpose, do you appear to consent, and say, 'If you think you can overcome the demon, + I am willing to meet you, but it must be openly, in your own house; and then, + whatever happens, no blame can fall on my family.'</p> + + <p>"To this proposal he will be sure to agree, and you may go to his house without + fear, for I will accompany you, disguised as a woman, and will manage to kill that + wretch, without danger to you or myself, after which there will be no obstacle to our + marriage; for, when I ask your father, he will certainly consent, seeing the great + love between us, for he has shown great regard for me, and knows my property and + connections. But you must tell him now what has been arranged between us, that he may + be induced to spread abroad the report about the demon, and to consent to your going + to Dâruvarma's house."</p> + + <p>Bâlachandrika was delighted with my plan, and promised to do her best to + carry it out. She had full confidence in my courage and skill, and felt sure that I + should succeed in what I had undertaken. Then, reluctantly leaving me, and looking + back again and again, she walked slowly home.</p> + + <p>After quitting her I returned to her father, who was well satisfied with the + result of his observations, and told me that he had ascertained that after thirty + days I should meet you; and we walked together to his house, talking over the + matter.</p> + + <p>After a few days, Bâlachandrika informed me that Dâruvarma, undeterred + by the report which was now spread about the city, that she was haunted by a demon, + had continued his importunities, and that she had consented to go to his house that + evening.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile I had secretly made my preparations, and concealed in a lonely place + everything required for my disguise. At the proper time, when it was quite dark, I + went there, changed my dress, met the lady, and accompanied her to the house of the + prince, who received us with great respect; and not having the slightest suspicion of + my being other than what I seemed to be, sent away all his attendants, and conducted + us to a room in a small detached building. There he seated her on a beautiful soft + couch, inlaid with jewels, and expressing his great delight at seeing her, brought + forth and offered to us both very handsome presents of dresses, ornaments, perfumes, + &c. After some conversation—as if no longer able to restrain + himself—he sat down beside her, and, regardless of my presence, threw his arms + round her, and kissed her again and again.</p> + + <p>This was more than I could bear; suddenly seizing him by the throat, I threw him + on the ground, and despatched him with blows of hand, foot, and knee, before he could + call out or give an alarm.</p> + + <p>Then we both screamed out loudly, and I rushed forth, as if in a great fright, + calling out, "Help! help! the horrible demon is killing the prince!"</p> + + <p>Hearing this, and seeing my apparent agitation, the attendants and guards hastened + in great confusion to the room, where they found the prince dead, and the lady so + agitated that she was unable to give an account of what had happened; the demon had + of course disappeared.</p> + + <p>Some police were in attendance, suspicious of fraud, but even they did not imagine + two women to be capable of such an act of violence, and the general opinion was that + the story of the demon was founded on truth, and that the prince well deserved the + fate he had met with. Bâlachandrika was therefore suffered to leave: I had + already escaped in the first alarm and confusion, had changed my dress, and reached + home in safety.</p> + + <p>No further inquiry was made, and no suspicion fell on me; I duly married my + beloved, and as no harm happened to me, the demon was supposed to have been + propitiated.</p> + + <p>The day indicated by my wife's father having arrived, I came here, fully expecting + to see you, and now my happiness is complete.</p> + + <p>When Râjavâhana had heard this story, he again related his own + adventures; after which he took leave of Somadatta, saying, "Come to me as soon as + possible, when you have paid your devotions at Mahâkâla, and have taken + your wife and her attendants home;" and he then accompanied Pushpodbhava into the + city of Avanti.</p> + + <p>There he was hospitably received in the house of his friend, who introduced him by + his real name to Bandhupâla, but gave out in the city that he was a young + brahman, worthy of all honour for his learning and ability; and the prince remained + for some time in that city, treated with great respect and consideration by all who + became acquainted with him.</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="MARRIAGE_OF_AVANTISUNDARI" name="MARRIAGE_OF_AVANTISUNDARI"></a> + + <h2>MARRIAGE OF AVANTISUNDARI.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>During the stay of Râjavâhana at Avanti, the season of spring arrived, + when the great festival of Kâma is celebrated. The trees, breaking into flower, + were filled with the song of birds and the hum of bees, and their branches were waved + by the soft south wind, blowing, loaded with perfume, from the sandal groves of + Malaya. The lakes and pools were thickly covered with lotus blossoms, among which + innumerable water-birds were sporting, and the feelings of all were influenced by the + charms of the season, and prepared for the worship of the god of love.</p> + + <p>On the day of the festival, the parks and gardens were crowded with people, some + engaged in various sports, some walking about or sitting under the trees, looking at + the players.</p> + + <p>Among them was the Princess Avantisundari, who was sitting on a sandy spot, under + a large tree, attended by her women, especially by her dear friend + Bâlachandrika, and making offerings to the god of various perfumes and + flowers.</p> + + <p>The prince also walked in the park with his friend Pushpodbhava; and wishing to + see the princess, of whose grace and beauty he had already heard, contrived to + approach; and being encouraged by Bâlachandrika with a gesture of the hand, + came and stood very near her.</p> + + <p>Then, indeed, having an opportunity of observing her, he was struck by her + exceeding beauty. She seemed to him as if formed by the god of love with everything + most beautiful in the world; and, as he gazed, he felt more and more entranced, till + almost unconsciously he was deeply in love.</p> + + <p>She, indeed, seeing him beautiful as Kâma himself, was almost equally + affected, and, pervaded by strong feeling, trembled like the branch of a creeping + plant agitated by a gentle wind.</p> + + <p>Then he thought, "Never have I seen anything so lovely. She must have been formed + by some singular accident, for there is no one like her in the world."</p> + + <p>She, indeed, ashamed to look openly at him, and half concealing herself among her + attendants, looked at him stealthily from time to time, and while he had all his + thoughts fixed on her, was saying to herself, "Who can he be? Where does he come + from? Happy the maidens whose eyes are delighted with such beauty! happy the mother + who has such a son! What can I do? how can I find out who he is?"</p> + + <p>Meanwhile Bâlachandrika, quick in discrimination, perceived the impression + they had made on each other; and not thinking it desirable to declare his name and + rank before the other attendants, or in such a public place, introduced him to the + princess, saying, "This is a very learned and clever young brahman, a friend of my + husband, worthy of your notice. Allow me to recommend him to your favourable + consideration."</p> + + <p>The princess, delighted at heart, but concealing her feelings, motioned to the + prince to sit down near her, and gave him betel, flowers, perfumes, &c., through + one of her attendants.</p> + + <p>Then Râjavâhana, more deeply in love even than the princess, thought + to himself, "There surely must be some reason for this very sudden attraction which I + feel towards her. She must have been my beloved wife in a former existence. Perhaps a + curse was laid upon us; and now that is removed. If so, the recognition ought to be + mutual; at all events I will try what I can do to produce the same feeling in her + which exists in my mind."</p> + + <p>While he was considering how this might be accomplished, a swan approached the + princess, as if expecting to be fed or caressed; and in sport, she desired + Bâlachandrika to catch it.</p> + + <p>Inspired by this circumstance with a happy thought, Râjavâhana said to + the princess, "Will you allow me to tell you a short story? There was formerly a king + called Samba. When walking one day together with his beloved wife at the side of a + small lake in the pleasure-grounds, he saw a swan asleep, just under the bank. Having + caught it, he tied its legs together, put it down again on the ground, and saying to + his wife, 'This bird sits as quiet as a muni; let him go where he likes,' amused + himself with laughing at its awkward attempts to walk. Then the swan suddenly spoke: + 'O king, though in the form of a swan, I am a devout brahman; and since you have + thus, without cause, ill-treated me while sitting quiet here, engaged in meditation, + I lay my curse upon you, and you shall endure the pain of separation from your + beloved wife.'</p> + + <p>"Hearing this, the king, alarmed and distressed, bowed respectfully to the ground, + and said, 'O mighty sage, forgive an act done through ignorance.'</p> + + <p>"Then that holy person, having his anger appeased, answered, 'My words cannot be + made of no effect. I will, however, so far modify the curse that it will not take + place during your present existence; but in a future birth, when you are united to + the same lady in another body, you must endure the misery of separation from her for + two months, though you will afterwards enjoy very great happiness with her; and I + will also confer on you both the power of recognising each other in your next + existence,'—I beg of you therefore not to tie this bird which you were wishing + to catch."</p> + + <p>The princess, hearing this story, was quite ready to believe it; and from her own + feelings was convinced that it really referred to a previous existence of herself, + now brought to her recollection; and that the love which she felt springing up in her + heart was directed towards one who had formerly been her husband. With a sweet smile, + she answered: "Doubtless Samba tied the bird in that way on purpose to obtain the + power of recognition in another birth; and it was very cleverly managed by him."</p> + + <p>From that moment they seemed perfectly to understand each other, and sat without + speaking, their hearts full of happiness.</p> + + <p>Presently the mother of the princess—the queen of the ex-king + Mânasâra, who had also come with her attendants into the park, joined her + daughter; and Bâlachandrika having seen her approaching, made a sign to the + prince, upon which he and his friend slipped on one side, and hid themselves behind + some leafy bushes.</p> + + <p>After the queen had stayed a short time talking to her daughter and looking at the + games, she set out to return, and the princess accompanied her.</p> + + <p>Before going, she turned round, as if addressing the swan, but intending the + speech for the prince, who was anxiously watching her from his hiding-place, "Though + you came near me so lovingly just now, I may not stay longer with you: I must leave + you and follow my mother: do not forget me or imagine that I neglect you, for I am + still fond of you."</p> + + <p>With these words she walked slowly away, looking with longing eyes in the + direction of her lover.</p> + + <p>On their return to the palace, the princess heard from Bâlachandrika a full + account of Râjavâhana and his adventures, through which she was even more + in love than before; and having no opportunity of seeing him again, became listless + and indifferent to her usual occupations, lost her appetite, wasted away, and at last + lay on her bed, burning with fever.</p> + + <p>In vain did her devoted attendants use all their efforts to diminish the heat by + means of cold water, fanning, and other remedies; and she, seeing their distress, + said to her faithful Bâlachandrika: "Ah, dear friend, all you can do is to no + purpose; they call Kâma the god with five arrows; but surely this is a wrong + name, for I feel as if pierced by him with hundreds of arrows. They call the wind + from Malaya cooling; but to me it only increases the fever, as if blowing up the fire + which consumes me: my own necklace, the contact of which was formerly agreeable, now + feels as if smeared with the poison of serpents. Give up your exertions; the prince + is the only physician who can cure me; and how can he come to me here?"</p> + + <p>Then Bâlachandrika thought to herself: "Something must be done, and that + without delay, or this violent passion of love will surely cause her death. I will at + least see the prince, and try if it is possible to bring about a meeting."</p> + + <p>Having thus resolved, she begged the princess to write a few lines to her lover; + and committing her to the care of the other attendants, she went to the house of her + husband. There she found Râjavâhana almost in the same state as the + princess, burning with fever, throwing himself about restlessly on his couch, and + bemoaning his hard fate to his friend.</p> + + <p>On seeing Bâlachandrika, he started up, saying, "Oh, how welcome is the + sight of you! I am sure you must be the bearer of good news. Sit down here and tell + me about my darling."</p> + + <p>She answered: "The princess is suffering like yourself, longing to see you; and + has now sent me with this letter."</p> + + <p>Eagerly opening it, he read—</p> + + <p>"Beloved—Having seen your beauty, delicate as a flower, faultless, + unrivalled in the world, my heart is full of longing. Do you likewise make your heart + soft."</p> + + <p>Having read this, he said: "Your coming here is refreshing to me as water to a + withered plant; you are the wife of my very dear friend, Pushpodbhava, and I know how + attached you are to my darling, therefore I can speak freely to you. Tell her that + when she left the grove that day she carried off my heart with her, and that I long + to see her even more than she longs for me; tell her only not to despond; the + entrance to her apartments is indeed difficult, but I will contrive to see her by + some means or other. Come back soon, and, having thought over the matter, I will tell + you what is to be done." With this message, Bâlachandrika went to rejoice her + friend; and the prince, though much comforted, could not remain quiet, but walked to + the park, to have the pleasure of seeing at least the place where he had first met + his charmer. There he stayed a long time together with his friend, looking at her + footsteps in the sand, the withered flowers which she had gathered and thrown down, + the place where she had sat, and the shrubs from which he had watched her, and + listening to the murmur of the wind among the leaves, the hum of the bees and the + song of the birds. Presently, they saw approaching them a brahman, splendidly + dressed, followed by a servant. He, coming up to the prince, saluted him; and the + prince, returning the salute, asked who he was. He answered "My name is Vidyeswara. I + am a famous conjurer, and travel about exhibiting my skill for the amusement of kings + and nobles. I have now come to Oujein, to show off my skill before the king." Then, + with a knowing smile, he added, "But what makes you look so pale?"</p> + + <p>Pushpodbhava, thinking to himself this is just the man to help us, answered, + "There is something in your appearance which induces me to look on you as a friend, + and you know how sometimes intimate friendship arises from a very short acquaintance; + I will therefore tell you why my friend is thus sad. Not long ago, he, the son of a + king, met the Princess Avantisundari on this very spot, and they fell in love with + each other. From the impossibility of meeting, both are suffering, and the prince is + brought into this condition which you see."</p> + + <p>Vidyeswara, in reply, looking at the prince, said, with a smile, "To such as you, + with me for an ally, nothing is impossible. I will, through my skill, contrive that + you shall marry the princess in the presence of her father and his court; but you + must follow my directions exactly, and she must be informed of her part in the affair + through some trusty female friend."</p> + + <p>Then, having given the necessary directions, the conjurer went his way. + Râjavâhana also returned to the house, and when he had given + Bâlachandrika, who came again in the evening, the directions received from the + conjurer, and a loving message of encouragement for the princess, he anxiously + awaited the morrow, unable to sleep from the thought of the expected happiness, and + fluctuating between alternate hopes and fears. In the morning, Vidyeswara, having + collected a large troop of followers, went to the palace and announced himself to the + doorkeeper, saying, "Tell the king the great conjurer is arrived." + Mânasâra, who had heard of his great skill, and was desirous of seeing + it, ordered him to be immediately admitted, and, after the usual salutations, the + performance began.</p> + + <p>First, while the band was playing, peacocks' tails were waving, and singers + imitating the plaintive notes of birds, to excite the feelings and distract the + attention of the hearers, the conjurer turned round violently several times, with his + eyes half-closed, and caused great hooded serpents to appear and vultures to come + down from the sky to seize them.</p> + + <p>After this, he represented the scene of Vishnu killing Hiranyakasipu, chief of the + Asuras, to the great astonishment of the spectators; then, turning to the king, he + said, "It is desirable that the performance should end with something auspicious; I + propose, therefore, to represent a royal marriage, and one of my people will act as + your daughter, another as a prince, endowed with all good qualities. But first I must + apply to your eyes this ointment, which will give you preternatural clearness of + vision." To all this the king consented.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, the princess had contrived to slip out unobserved, and stood among the + conjurer's people. Râjavâhana also stood ready, and the performance + began. Thus, under the disguise of a piece of acting, the conjurer, being a brahman, + was able to complete the marriage with all proper rites and ceremonies without any + suspicion on the part of the king that it was his own daughter whom he saw before + him; and the others, also unsuspecting, only admired the skill of the conjurer in + making the actress so like the lady whom she represented. When the performance was + ended, the conjurer, having been liberally rewarded by the king, dismissed his hired + attendants and departed.</p> + + <p>In the confusion and excitement caused by the conjurer's performance, + Râjavâhana and the princess slipped unnoticed into her apartments, where + he was safe, for the present at least, her attendants being all devoted to her, and + careful to keep the secret.</p> + + <p>He was thus able to enjoy the society of his bride without interruption; to give + her a full account of his life and adventures, and to teach her many things of which + she was ignorant; so that she became more and more attached to him, and admired his + knowledge and eloquence as much as she had before admired his beauty.</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="FURTHER_ADVENTURES_OF_RAJAVAHANA" name="FURTHER_ADVENTURES_OF_RAJAVAHANA"></a> + + <h2>FURTHER ADVENTURES OF RÂJAVÂHANA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>Thus the princess, listening with delight and astonishment to the sweet and + eloquent words of her husband, and he never tired of contemplating her beauty and + enjoying her caresses, lived for some time in the greatest happiness, without care or + anxiety for the future.</p> + + <p>One night, when both were sleeping, the prince had a remarkable dream. He seemed + to see an old swan, whose legs were tied together with lotus fibre, approach the + bedside; at that moment he awoke with a feeling of pressure on his feet, and found + himself bound with a slender silver chain, bright as the rays of the moon. The + princess awoke at the same time, and seeing her husband thus fettered, screamed out + loudly in her fright. The attendants in the adjoining apartments, hearing the scream, + thought something dreadful must have happened. They rushed into the room, added their + cries to hers, and forgetting all their former precautions, left the doors open, so + that the guards outside, hearing the clamour, entered and saw the prince.</p> + + <p>When about to seize him, they were awed by his dignity, and contented themselves + with giving information to the regent, Chandavarma, who, on receiving it, came + immediately to the place.</p> + + <p>Looking at the prince with eyes burning with the fire of anger, he began to + recollect him, and said, "So! this is that conceited brahman who has been deceiving + the people; making them believe that he is wonderfully clever; the friend of that + fellow the husband of the wicked Bâlachandrika, the cause of my brother's + death. How is it possible that the princess should have fallen in love with such a + paltry wretch, overlooking a man like me? She is a disgrace to her family, and shall + soon see her husband impaled on a stake."</p> + + <p>Then, with his forehead disfigured by a fearful frown, he continued to abuse the + prince; and having tied his hands behind him, dragged him from the room.</p> + + <p>Râjavâhana, naturally brave, and encouraged by belief in that former + existence the remembrance of which had so wonderfully arisen in his mind, bore all + the insults with firmness, and saying to the princess, "Remember that speech of the + swan, have patience for two months, and all will be well," submitted quietly to the + imprisonment.</p> + + <p>When the ex-king and queen were informed of what had happened, they were greatly + distressed on their daughter's account, and exerted themselves to save the life of + their son-in-law; but the regent, in whom all authority was vested, resisted their + entreaties; and only on condition of their resigning some of the few privileges which + still remained to them did he consent to defer the execution till he had communicated + with Darpasâra, and learned his pleasure on the subject. He confiscated the + property of Pushpodbhava, and threw him and his family into prison; and being about + to march against the King of Anga, and unwilling to leave the prince behind, lest he + should be liberated by the old king, he caused a wooden cage to be made, in which his + prisoner was shut up and carried with the army.</p> + + <p>Treated thus like some wild beast, roughly shaken and neglected, + Râjavâhana would have suffered greatly had he not been protected by the + magic jewel given to him in Pâtâla, and which he had contrived to conceal + in his hair.</p> + + <p>Chandavarma had some time before this asked in marriage Ambâlika, the + daughter of Sinhavarma, King of Anga, and, indignant at a refusal, was now marching + against him, to take vengeance for the insult, and get possession of the princess. + Advancing therefore with a large army, he prepared to besiege Champa, the capital + city.</p> + + <p>Sinhavarma, being of a very impatient and impetuous disposition, would not wait + for the arrival of the allies who had been summoned to his assistance, and were then + on the march; but throwing open the gates, went forth to meet the enemy.</p> + + <p>A terrible battle ensued, in which both kings performed prodigies of valour. At + last Sinhavarma was taken prisoner, and his army so completely defeated, that the + conqueror entered and took possession of the city without opposition.</p> + + <p>Chandavarma, having now the princess in his power, determined to make her his wife + at once: he therefore treated her father with more consideration than he would + otherwise have done, though he put him in confinement, and caused it to be proclaimed + throughout the city that the wedding would be celebrated with much splendour the next + morning.</p> + + <p>Just then a messenger arrived from Kailâsa, bringing a letter from + Darpasâra, in which he had written, "O fool! should there be any pity for the + violator of the harem? If the old king, my father, now in his dotage, was foolish + enough to favour the criminal for the sake of his worthless daughter, you had no need + of his permission, and ought not to have been influenced by him. Let that vile + seducer be immediately put to death by torture, and his paramour be shut up in prison + till I come."</p> + + <p>Chandavarma, who had intended to march against the allies advancing for the + assistance of his captive, on receiving these commands, gave orders to his + attendants, saying, "To-morrow morning take that vile wretch from his cage, and set + him at the palace gate. Have ready, also, a fierce elephant, suitably equipped, which + I shall mount immediately after the wedding, to overtake my army in march against the + enemy; and as I set out, I will make the elephant trample the life out of that + criminal."</p> + + <p>Accordingly, the next morning, the prince was brought by the guards to the gate of + the palace, and the elephant placed near him.</p> + + <p>While he stood there, calmly awaiting death, which now seemed inevitable, he + suddenly felt his feet free, and a beautiful lady appeared before him.</p> + + <p>She humbly bowing down said: "Let my lord pardon his servant for the injury which + she has unconsciously caused. I am an Apsaras, born from the rays of the moon. One + day, as I was flying through the air, wearing a white dress, a swan, mistaking me for + a lotus flower, attacked me. While struggling to keep off the bird, the string of my + necklace broke, and the pearls fell on the grey head of a very holy rishi, bathing, + in the clear water of a Himâlayan lake.</p> + + <p>"In his anger, he cursed me, saying: 'O wicked one, for this offence you are + condemned to be changed into a piece of unconscious metal.'</p> + + <p>"When, however, I entreated forgiveness, he was so far appeased, that he modified + the curse, and granted that I should still retain consciousness, and remain as a + fetter on your feet for two months only.</p> + + <p>"The change took place immediately, and I fell to the ground, turned into a silver + chain.</p> + + <p>"About this time, Vírasekhara, a Vidyâdhara, partly of human descent, + had become acquainted with Darpasâra, then performing penance on the great + mountain; and thinking he might get assistance from him in a feud in which he was + involved, had made an alliance with him, and engaged to marry his sister, the + Princess Avantisundari.</p> + + <p>"Being desirous of visiting his intended bride, he flew through the air to Avanti. + On his way he saw the silver fetter, descended to the ground, picked it up, and + continued his flight.</p> + + <p>"Having made himself invisible, he entered without difficulty the apartment of the + princess, and was astonished and enraged on finding her lying in your arms. His first + impulse was to kill you; but some irresistible influence restrained him, so that he + contented himself with putting the silver fetter on your feet, and departed without + otherwise disturbing you.</p> + + <p>"You have, in consequence, suffered all this misery. Now my transformation is + ended, and you are so far free; tell me what I can do for you in atonement for the + suffering which I have caused?"</p> + + <p>The prince, not thinking of himself, said only, "Go at once to her who is dearer + to me than life, and comfort her with news of me."</p> + + <p>At that moment a great clamour was heard, and some persons, rushing from the + interior of the palace, called out, loudly, "Help! help! Chandavarma is murdered! + killed by an assassin, who stabbed him as he was about to take the hand of the + princess; and that man is now moving about the palace, cutting down all who attempt + to seize him."</p> + + <p>Râjavâhana, when he heard this, without losing a moment, and before + the guards had perceived his feet to be unfettered, with a sudden spring leapt on the + elephant intended for his destruction; and having thrust off the driver, urged the + beast at a rapid pace, pushing aside the crowd right and left as he went.</p> + + <p>Having got into the courtyard, he shouted with a loud voice, "Who is the brave man + that has done this great deed, hardly to be accomplished by a mere mortal? Let him + come forth and join me; we two united are a match for a whole army."</p> + + <p>The slayer of Chandavarma hearing this, came out of the palace, and quickly + mounting the elephant, who held down his trunk to receive him, placed himself behind + the prince.</p> + + <p>Great was their mutual astonishment and joy when they recognised each other, the + prince exclaiming, "Is it possible? Is it really you, my dear friend + Apahâravarma, who have done this deed?" and the other saying, "Do I indeed see + my Lord Râjavâhana?" Having thus recognised and embraced each other, they + turned the elephant round, and passing through the crowd in the courtyard, went into + the main street, now thronged by soldiers. Through these they forced their way, + employing with good effect the weapons placed on the elephant for the use of + Chandavarma.</p> + + <p>Before, however, they had gone far, they heard the noise of battle at a distance, + and saw the soldiers in front of them scattered in all directions.</p> + + <p>Soon they saw coming towards them a very well-dressed, handsome man, riding on a + swift elephant. On reaching them, he made obeisance to the prince, saying, "I am sure + this is my Lord Râjavâhana;" and then turning to Apahâravarma, + said, "I have followed your directions exactly, and hastened on the advancing allies. + We have just now encountered and utterly defeated the enemy, so that there is no fear + of any further resistance."</p> + + <p>Then Apahâravarma introduced the stranger to the prince, saying, "This is my + dear friend Dhanamittra, well worthy of your respect and consideration; for he is as + brave and clever as he is handsome. With your permission, he will liberate the King + of Anga, and re-establish the former authorities; meanwhile, we will go on to a quiet + place, and wait there for him and the princes who have come so opportunely to our + assistance."</p> + + <p>Râjavâhana agreed to this. They went a little further, and dismounted + at a pleasant cool bank, shaded by a large banian tree, and close to the Ganges.</p> + + <p>When they had been for some time seated there, Dhanamittra returned, accompanied + by Upahâravarma, Pramati, Mitragupta, Mantragupta, Visruta, Prahâravarma + King of Mithila, Kâmapâla lord of Benâres, and Sinhavarma King of + Anga.</p> + + <p>The prince, astonished and delighted at such an unexpected meeting, warmly + embraced his young friends, and very respectfully saluted, as a son, the elder men + introduced by them. Many questions were asked on both sides. After some conversation, + Râjavâhana told them his own adventures, and those of Somadatta and + Pushpodbhava, and then begged his friends to relate theirs.</p> + + <p>Apahâravarma spoke first.</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_APAHARAVARMA" name="ADVENTURES_OF_APAHARAVARMA"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF APAHÂRAVARMA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>My Lord, when you had gone away with the brahman, and we were unable to find you, + I wandered about searching for you like the rest of your friends.</p> + + <p>One day I heard by chance of a very famous muni, living in a forest on the banks + of the Ganges, not far from Champa, who was said to have supernatural knowledge of + past and future events.</p> + + <p>Hoping to obtain some information about you, I determined to seek him out, and + accordingly came here for that purpose. Having found the way to his dwelling, I saw + there a miserable-looking man, very unlike the holy devotee whom I had pictured to + myself. Sitting down, however, beside this person, I said, "I have come a long way to + consult the celebrated rishi Mâríchi, having heard that he is possessed + of very wonderful knowledge. Can you tell me where to find him?"</p> + + <p>Deeply sighing, he answered: "There was, not long ago, such a person in this + place; but he is changed—he is no longer what he was."</p> + + <p>"How can that be?" I asked.</p> + + <p>"One day," he replied, "while that muni was engaged in prayer and meditation, he + was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a famous actress and dancer, called + Kâmamanjari, who, with dishevelled hair and eyes full of tears, threw herself + at his feet.</p> + + <p>"Before he had time to ask the meaning of this, a confused crowd of her companions + came up, headed by an old woman, the mother of Kâmamanjari, apparently in great + agitation and distress.</p> + + <p>"When they were all a little quieted, he asked the girl the meaning of her tears, + and for what purpose she had come to him.</p> + + <p>"She answered, apparently with great respect and bashfulness, 'O reverend sir, I + have heard of your great wisdom, and your kindness to those who are willing to give + up the pleasures of this world for the sake of the next. I am tired of the + disgraceful life I am leading, and wish to renounce it.' Upon this, her mother, with + her loose grey hairs touching the ground, interrupted her, and said, 'Worthy sir, + this daughter of mine would make it appear that I am to blame, but indeed I have done + my duty, and have carefully prepared her for that profession for which, by birth, she + was intended. From earliest childhood I have bestowed the greatest care upon her, + doing everything in my power to promote her health and beauty. As soon as she was old + enough, I had her carefully instructed in the arts of dancing, acting, playing on + musical instruments, singing, painting, preparing perfumes and flowers, in writing + and conversation, and even to some extent in grammar, logic, and philosophy. She was + taught to play various games with skill and dexterity, and how to dress well, and + show herself off to the greatest advantage in public; I hired persons to go about + praising her skill and beauty, and to applaud her when she performed in public, and I + did many other things to promote her success, and to secure for her liberal + remuneration; yet, after all the time, trouble, and money which I have spent upon + her, just when I was beginning to reap the fruit of my labours, the ungrateful girl + has fallen in love with a stranger, a young brahman, without property, and wishes to + marry him and give up her profession, notwithstanding all my entreaties, and + representations of the poverty and distress to which all her family will be reduced + if she persists in her purpose; and because I oppose this marriage, she declares that + she will renounce the world, and become a devotee.'</p> + + <p>"The muni compassionately said to the girl: 'You will never be able to endure the + hardships of such a life as you propose to lead—a life so different from that + to which you have been accustomed. Heaven may be attained by all who duly perform the + duties of their station; take my advice then, give up all thoughts of an undertaking + which you will never accomplish, comply with your mother's wishes, return with her, + and be content with that way of life in which you have been brought up.'</p> + + <p>"With many tears, she replied: 'If you will not receive me I will put an end to my + wretched life.'</p> + + <p>"Finding her so determined, the muni, after some reflection, said to the mother + and her companions: 'Go away for the present; come back after a few days; I will give + her good advice, and you will no doubt find her tired of living here, and quite ready + to return.'</p> + + <p>"Thereupon they all went away, and she was left alone with the muni. At first she + kept at a distance from him, taking care not to interrupt him in his meditations, but + waiting on him unobtrusively, rendering him many little services, watering his + favourite trees, and gathering sacred grass, and flowers for offerings to the gods. + Then, as he became more accustomed to her, she would amuse him with songs and dances, + and at last began to sit near him and talk of the pleasures of love.</p> + + <p>"One day, as if in all simplicity, she said 'Surely people are very wrong in + reckoning virtue, wealth and pleasure as the three great objects of life?'</p> + + <p>"'Tell me,' he answered, 'how far do you regard virtue as superior to the other + two?'</p> + + <p>"'A very wise man like you,' she replied, 'can hardly learn anything from an + ignorant woman like me; but since you ask, I will tell you what I think. There is no + real acquisition of happiness or wealth without virtue; but the latter is quite + independent of the other two. Without it, a man is nothing; but if he fully possesses + it, he is so purified by it that he may indulge in pleasures occasionally, and any + sin connected with them will no more adhere to him than dust to a cloud. Look at all + the stories of the amours of the gods. Are they the less worshipped on that account? + I think, therefore, that virtue is a hundred times superior to the other two.' With + many such specious arguments as these, and by her winning ways, she contrived to make + him madly in love; so that, forgetting all his religious duties and former + austerities, he thought only how to please her.</p> + + <p>"When she perceived this, she said to him 'Let us stay no longer in the forest, + but go to my house in the town, where we can have many more enjoyments.' Utterly + infatuated, he was ready to do her bidding; and she, having procured a covered + carriage, took him in the evening to her own house.</p> + + <p>"The next day there was a great festival, at which the king was accustomed to + appear in public and converse familiarly with his subjects. On such occasions he + would often be surrounded by actresses and dancing girls.</p> + + <p>"On that day Kâmamanjari persuaded the muni to put on a gay dress and + accompany her to the park where the festival was held; and he, thinking only of her, + and miserable if she were away from him even for a short time, consented to go. On + their arrival there, she walked with him towards the king, who, seeing her, said, + with a smile: 'Sit down here with that reverend man.' And all eyes were directed + towards him.</p> + + <p>"Presently one of the ladies rose up, and, making a low obeisance to the king, + said: 'My lord; I must confess myself beaten by that lady; I have lost my wager and + must now pay the penalty.'</p> + + <p>"Then a great shout of laughter arose; the king congratulated Kâmamanjari, + and presented her with handsome ornaments.</p> + + <p>"After this she walked away with the astonished muni, followed by a great crowd, + shouting applause.</p> + + <p>"Before reaching her own house, she turned round to him with a low obeisance, and + said: 'Reverend sir, you have favoured me with your company a long time; it will be + well for you to attend now to your own affairs.'</p> + + <p>"Not having his eyes yet opened, he started as if thunderstruck, and said: 'My + dear, what does all this mean? What has become of the great love which you professed + for me?'</p> + + <p>"She smilingly answered: 'I will explain it all.'</p> + + <p>"'One day, that lady whom you saw in the park had a dispute with me as to which + was the most attractive. At last she said: "You boast of your powers, forsooth; go + and try them on Mâríchi. If you can persuade him to accompany you here, + then indeed you may triumph; I will acknowledge myself your inferior."</p> + + <p>"'This was the reason of my coming to you; the trick has been successful; I have + won my wager, and have now no further occasion for you.'</p> + + <p>"Bowed down by shame and remorse, the unhappy man slunk back to his hermitage, + miserable and degraded, bitterly lamenting his folly and infatuation, but resolved to + atone for it by deep repentance and severe penance.</p> + + <p>"I am that wretched man; you see, therefore, that I am now quite unable to assist + you. But do not go away; remain in Champa. After a time I shall recover my former + power."</p> + + <p>While he was telling me this sad story, the sun set, and I remained with him that + night. The next morning, at sunrise, I took leave of him, and walked towards the + city. On my way thither, as I passed a Buddhist monastery, I was struck by the + appearance of a man sitting at the side of the road near it. He was extraordinarily + ugly; his body naked, with the exception of a rag round his waist; and his face so + covered with dirt, that the tears he was shedding left furrows as they rolled down + his cheeks.</p> + + <p>Moved by compassion, I sat down near him, and inquired the reason of his distress, + at the same time adding, "If it is a secret, I do not wish to intrude upon you."</p> + + <p>"'My misfortunes are well known,' he answered; 'I can have no objection to telling + you if you wish to hear them.' Then he began:</p> + + <p>"My name is Vasupâlika; but from my ugliness I am generally known as + Virúpaka,—the deformed. I am the son of a man of some importance here, + who left me a large fortune.</p> + + <p>"Among my acquaintance there was a person called Sundaraka, remarkably handsome, + but poor. Between us two some mischievous persons strove to excite a rivalry, pitting + my money against his beauty and accomplishments.</p> + + <p>"One day, in a large assembly, having got up a dispute between us, they said: 'It + is not beauty or wealth, but the approbation of the ladies, which stamps the worth of + a man; therefore, let the famous actress, Kâmamanjari, decide between you, and + agree that she shall say who is the best man.' To this we both assented, and she, + having been previously prepared for the part which she was to perform, was brought + into the room, and passing by my rival with scorn, sat down by my side, and, taking a + garland from her own head, placed it on mine.</p> + + <p>"Greatly flattered and delighted by this preference, and blinded by a mad love for + her, which I had not ventured to express, I most readily gave myself up to her + seductions, and in a very short time she obtained such an influence over me that + everything I possessed was at her disposal. Before long, she had so plundered me, and + led me into such extravagance, that I was reduced to the most abject poverty, and had + nothing I could call my own but this miserable rag which you now see me wear.</p> + + <p>"Cast off by her, blamed and reproached by the elder men, laughed at and despised + by those who had been my companions in prosperity, I knew not where to turn; and as a + last resource I entered this Buddhist monastery, where I obtain a bare + subsistence.</p> + + <p>"Distressed by the cutting off of my long hair, and by numerous restrictions as to + eating, drinking, and sleeping, like a newly-caught elephant; and hearing every day + abuse of those gods whom I used to worship; filled with remorse for my departure from + the religion of my ancestors; I am utterly miserable and only wish for death."</p> + + <p>Having heard this pitiable story, I did what I could to comfort him, and said, "Do + not despair; I have heard already of that wicked woman, and think I shall be able to + find some means of making her restore to you a part at least of your property."</p> + + <p>After leaving him, I went into the city, and finding, from popular report, that it + was full of rich misers, I resolved to bring them to their proper condition by taking + away their useless wealth.</p> + + <p>Occupied by this thought, I went into a gaming-house, where I was much interested + and amused by watching the players and observing their tricks, their sleight-of-hand, + their bullying or cringing behaviour to each other; the reckless profusion of the + winners, the muttering despair of those who had lost.</p> + + <p>While overlooking a game of chess, I smiled and made some remark about a bad move + of one of the players, upon which his opponent, turning to me with a sneer, said "No + doubt you think yourself very clever, but wait till I have finished off this stupid + fellow, and I will play you for any stake you like."</p> + + <p>When the game was over, accepting his challenge, I sat down to play, and won + altogether sixteen thousand dínars. Half of this sum I kept for myself, and + half I divided between the gaming-house keeper and the players who were present. The + latter were loud in praise of my generosity, and of the skill which I had shown in + beating that boaster; the former asked me to dine with him, and I often went to his + house and became very intimate with him, and obtained from him much information, + especially such as had reference to my purpose.</p> + + <p>One very dark night, fully directed by him, I set out, determined on robbery, + equipped with a dark dress, a short sword, a spade, a crowbar, a pair of pincers, a + wooden man's head,<a id="FNanchor4" name="FNanchor4"></a><a + href="#Footnote_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> a magic candle, a rope and grappling-iron, a + box with a bee in it,<a id="FNanchor5" name="FNanchor5"></a><a + href="#Footnote_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> and some other implements.</p> + + <p>Selecting a house where I knew there was much money, I made a hole in the wall, + and finding all quiet, enlarged it, entered boldly, and carried off much booty.</p> + + <p>As I was returning, looking cautiously about me, I came suddenly upon a young + woman, who was much alarmed at seeing me. Perceiving her agitation, I spoke to her + kindly, and assured her that I would much rather assist than injure her.</p> + + <p>Encouraged by my words, she told me her story: "My name is Kulapâlika; I am + the daughter of a rich merchant in this city, and was from childhood engaged to the + son of another rich man, named Dhanamittra: he, however, being of a very generous + disposition, when he had succeeded to his father's property was preyed on by + pretended friends and reduced to comparative poverty. Seeing this, my father refused + his consent to our marriage, and, in spite of my reluctance, is determined to give me + to a rich man, called Arthapati. To escape this marriage, I have slipped out from + home by a secret passage, rarely used, and am going to the house of my lover, who is + expecting me and will take me away to some other country; pray do not detain me, but + accept this." So saying, she put one of her ornaments into my hand. I did not refuse + it, but walked by her side, intending to escort her to her destination.</p> + + <p>We had, however, only gone a few steps, when I saw coming towards us, at no great + distance, a large body of the citizen guard. Without losing a moment, I said to the + trembling girl, "Don't be alarmed; say that I have been bitten by a serpent, and I + will manage the rest."</p> + + <p>By the time they reached us I had thrown myself on the ground, and lay as if + insensible, and she stood over me, crying. On being questioned, she answered, with + many tears, and in evident distress: "My husband and I, coming from the country, lost + our way, and have only lately entered the city. Just now he was bitten by a serpent, + and is all but dead. Is there any one among you skilled in charms who can recover + him?"</p> + + <p>Among the guard there chanced to be a very conceited man, who had often boasted of + his skill, and was now delighted to have an opportunity of displaying it. He stood + over me while the others waited, and, with many gesticulations, muttered various + charms supposed to be efficacious in such a case; but finding all of no avail, said + at last, "Ah! it is too late; the poor man is past all remedies: what a pity I did + not see him sooner!" Then, joining his companions, who were impatient to be off, he + turned to the sobbing girl and said: "He was evidently fated to die; who can prevail + over fate? It is useless to lament; nothing more can be done now; wait a little + while, and when we come back we will remove the body."</p> + + <p>As soon as they were out of sight I rose up, took her to the house of Dhanamittra, + and said to him: "I met this lady just now; I have brought her safely here, and now + restore the ornament which she gave me in her fright; for, though I am a robber, I + would not steal from one like her."</p> + + <p>Delighted at seeing her, he answered: "O, sir, you have indeed rendered me a great + service in bringing this dear one in safety here; such conduct is very extraordinary + in a man of your way of life, and I am quite unable to understand your motives for + acting thus. At all events, I am under very great obligation to you; command my + services in future."</p> + + <p>After some further talk, I asked him: "Friend, what do you now intend to do?"</p> + + <p>"It will be impossible," he answered, "for me to live here if I marry her without + her father's consent; I propose, therefore, to leave the town with her this very + night."</p> + + <p>"A clever man," I replied, "is at home in any place. Wherever he goes he may say + this is my country. But, in travelling, many hardships must be endured—hunger, + thirst, fatigue, and dangers from men and wild beasts;—how will this tender + girl be able to bear them?</p> + + <p>"You seem to be wanting in wisdom and forethought in thus abandoning home and + country. Take courage! be guided by me, and you shall marry her and live comfortably + here. But first we must take her back to her father's house."</p> + + <p>To this he consented without hesitation, and we set out at once. Guided by her, we + entered through the secret passage, carried off everything of value, and got away + without exciting alarm.</p> + + <p>Having hidden our booty in some old ruins, we were going home, when we fell in + with some of the city guard. Fortunately, there chanced to be an elephant tied up at + the side of the road. We quickly, therefore, unfastened the rope, mounted him, and + urged him at full speed; and before the watchmen could recover from their confusion, + were out of sight. Halting the elephant close to the wall of a deserted garden, we + got over it with the help of the trees growing there, escaped on the other side, and + reached home undetected, where we bathed and went to bed.</p> + + <p>The next day we walked out carefully dressed, and were amused at hearing an + exaggerated account of our adventures of the preceding night, which had caused much + alarm and excitement in the city.</p> + + <p>I had hoped, by robbing the old man, to prevent the marriage of his daughter with + Arthapati. But this hope was frustrated; for the latter was not only willing to take + Kulapâlika without a dowry, but even made presents to her father; and it was + settled that the marriage should take place at the end of a month.</p> + + <p>Finding this to be the case, I felt that something more must be done; and having + hit upon a plan which I thought would be effectual, I gave Dhanamittra directions how + to act.</p> + + <p>Accordingly, a few days afterwards, he went to the king, to whom he was previously + known, and having asked for a private audience, said: "A very wonderful thing has + happened to me, of which it seems right that your majesty should be informed. You + have known me as Dhanamittra, the son of a very rich man. During my prosperity, I was + engaged to the daughter of a wealthy merchant; but when I was reduced to poverty, he + refused his consent to our marriage, and is now about to give her to another.</p> + + <p>"Driven to despair by the double loss of fortune and wife, I went into a wood near + the city, intending to put an end to my wretched life.</p> + + <p>"There, when in the act of cutting my throat, I was stopped by a very aged + devotee, who asked the cause of the rash act.</p> + + <p>"'Poverty, and contempt,' I answered.</p> + + <p>"'There is nothing more foolish and sinful than suicide,' he replied. 'A man of + sense will endure adversity rather than escape from it in such a manner. Wealth, when + lost, may be regained in many ways; but life in none. A broken fortune may be + repaired; a cut throat can never be joined again. But why should I preach to you + thus? Here is a remedy for your misfortunes. This leather bag will give you abundant + wealth. I have used it for assisting the deserving; but now I am old and infirm, and + am not long for this world. I give it to you.</p> + + <p>"'Go home; if you possess anything wrongfully acquired, restore it to the right + owner, and give away the rest of your property to brahmans and the poor. When this + has been done, put away the purse carefully; and in the morning it will be found full + of gold. Remember that whoever possesses it must comply with these conditions, and + that it will yield its treasures only to a merchant like yourself, or to an + actress.'</p> + + <p>"With these words, he handed me the purse, and immediately disappeared.</p> + + <p>"I have now brought the purse to your majesty, to know your pleasure concerning + it."</p> + + <p>The king, though much astonished, believing the story, told him to keep and enjoy + it; and in answer to his entreaty, promised that any one attempting to steal it + should be severely punished.</p> + + <p>After this, Dhanamittra, making no secret of his acquisition of the purse, + disposed of all his property somewhat ostentatiously, leaving himself absolutely + nothing but the clothes which he wore; and in the morning, having filled the purse + with gold—the proceeds of the robbery—he showed it to his neighbours, who + were fully convinced of its magic powers.</p> + + <p>The fame of the purse was thus spread abroad; and we were able to account for our + newly-acquired wealth, without incurring any suspicion as to the manner of obtaining + it.</p> + + <p>At this time; for reasons which will presently appear, I induced Vimardaka to + enter the service of Arthapati; and directed him to use all possible means to excite + his master against Dhanamittra. In this he had no difficulty; for the father of + Kulapâlika, hearing of his sudden acquisition of wealth, did not even wait to + be asked, but of his own accord renewed the former engagement, and rejected + Arthapati.</p> + + <p>About that time it was publicly announced that a younger sister of + Kâmamanjari—Râgamanjari by name—would make her first + appearance as a dancer and singer. Great expectations having been raised, a large + number of spectators, including myself and my friend Dhanamittra, were present at the + performance.</p> + + <p>I was struck by her beauty the instant she appeared on the stage; but when I heard + her sweet voice, and saw her graceful movements, I was perfectly enchanted, and + unable to take my eyes off her for a moment.</p> + + <p>The performance being ended, she withdrew, followed by the longing eyes and loud + applause of the spectators; and giving, as I fancied, a significant look at me.</p> + + <p>The next day I was anxious, restless, and unable to eat; and could do nothing but + roam about listlessly, or lie on the couch, thinking of her, and making the excuse of + a bad headache.</p> + + <p>My friend, seeing me in this state, easily guessed the reason of it, and said to + me in private: "I know the cause of your uneasiness, and can give you good hopes. + That girl is virtuous, whatever her mother and sister may be; and having watched her + closely at the performance, I am convinced that she was much struck with you; + therefore, if you are willing to make her your wife, there will be no great + difficulties to overcome as far as she is concerned; for, resisting all seductions + and the persuasions of her wicked mother and sister, she has declared: 'No man shall + have me except as a wife; and I must be won by merit, not by money.'</p> + + <p>"On the other hand, her mother and sister, fearing lest she should be withdrawn + from the stage, have gone to the king, and obtained, through many tears and + entreaties, a decree that if any man shall take the girl, either in marriage or not, + without her mother's consent, he shall be put to death like a robber. Therefore, when + you have gained her love, you must also obtain the mother's consent; and that can + only be done by means of a large bribe; she will not listen to any other + inducement."</p> + + <p>"I am equal to all this," I answered; "I will win the young lady, and find means + to satisfy the old one." And I lost no time in accomplishing my purpose. It was first + necessary to make acquaintance with Kâmamanjari, and to this end I found out a + woman often employed by her as a messenger, and having gained her over by bribes, + sent, through her, a number of small presents, till at last Kâmamanjari was + disposed in my favour, and received me at her house. Meanwhile I contrived to have + secret interviews with her beautiful sister, who consented to be my wife. As soon as + this was settled, I said to Kâmamanjari, "I am desirous of obtaining your + mother's consent to my marriage with your sister, who has accepted me. I know that if + she ceases to perform, you will lose a large income; and, therefore, offer you in + return something better and more certain. Procure for me the desired permission, and + you shall have Dhanamittra's magic purse, which I will safely steal for you."</p> + + <p>Delighted at the thought of possessing inexhaustible wealth, she agreed to this; + the mother's consent was formally given; and on the day of my marriage I secretly + handed over the promised purse.</p> + + <p>Very soon after, Vimardaka, by my directions, in a large assembly, began to abuse + and insult Dhanamittra, who, as if much astonished, said: "What does all this mean? + Why should you annoy me? I am not aware that I have ever given you offence."</p> + + <p>He answered furiously: "You purse-proud wretch, do you think I will not take my + master's part? Have you not robbed him of his intended wife, by bribing her father? + Do you think he has no cause for anger against you? His interests are mine; I am + ready to risk my life for him, and I will pay you off. Some day you shall miss that + purse, the source of the riches with which you are so puffed up." Saying this, he + rushed out of the place in a rage; and though nothing was done at the time, his words + were not forgotten.</p> + + <p>Then Dhanamittra went to the king, and declaring that he had lost the purse, + mentioned his suspicion of Arthapati, and the reason for it. He, having heard nothing + of what his servant had said, when summoned and asked "Have you a confidential + servant named Vimardaka?" answered without hesitation, "Certainly; he is a very + trustworthy man, entirely devoted to my interest."</p> + + <p>"Bring him here to me."</p> + + <p>Thus commanded, he searched everywhere for his servant, but was unable to find + him; and for a good reason, for I had furnished the man with money, and sent him to + Oujein, to look for you.</p> + + <p>The supposed thief having disappeared, his master was put in prison till further + evidence could be procured, for no one but those in the secret doubted that he was + the instigator of the theft.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile Kâmamanjari, anxious to make use of the magic purse, proceeded to + fulfil the conditions attached to its use. She went secretly to Virúpaka, and + restored the money of which she had robbed him, and then gave away all her furniture, + clothes, and ornaments. This, however, she did so incautiously, that attention was + drawn to it; upon which Dhanamittra went again to the king, saying: "I suspect that + the actress, Kâmamanjari, has got my purse; for though notoriously avaricious, + she is giving away everything she possesses, and there must be some strong reason for + such a proceeding."</p> + + <p>In consequence of this information, she was summoned to appear the next day, + together with her mother; and the two women came in great alarm to consult me.</p> + + <p>I said to Kâmamanjari: "No doubt you are suspected of having the purse. This + suspicion has arisen from your own imprudence, in giving away your property so + openly. I much fear that you will have to give it up, and you will be fortunate if + you escape without worse consequences. But you must on no account implicate me; for + then I should be put to death, all my property would be confiscated, your sister + would die of grief, and you would be utterly ruined."</p> + + <p>She answered, with many tears: "It is indeed my own fault, but you shall be safe. + That niggardly wretch, Arthapati, is known to be intimate with me. I will say that I + received it from him; and, as he is already suspected of stealing it, I shall + probably be believed."</p> + + <p>To this I agreed, and the next day, when questioned, she at first denied all + knowledge of the purse, then admitted having received it, but refused to say from + whom, and at last, when threatened with torture, confessed, apparently with great + reluctance, that Arthapati was the giver; and this being considered sufficient + evidence against him, he was condemned to death.</p> + + <p>Then Dhanamittra interceded for him, saying. "A decree was formerly made by one of + your ancestors, that no merchant or trader should be put to death for theft. I humbly + entreat, therefore, that his life may be spared."</p> + + <p>To this the king consented, the poor wretch was banished, and all his property + confiscated, a portion of it being given to Kâmamanjari, at the earnest + entreaty of Dhanamittra, who got back his purse, and shortly afterwards married + Kulapâlika.</p> + + <p>Having thus performed the promise to my friend, I increased my own wealth, and + kept up the reputation of the purse by going on with my robberies, and so + impoverished the rich misers, that some of them were glad to receive a morsel of food + from the beggars to whom they had formerly refused help, and who were now enriched by + my liberality.</p> + + <p>Still no suspicion fell on me; but fate is all-powerful, and it was decreed that I + should be caught at last.</p> + + <p>One night, sitting with my charming wife, intoxicated, partly with wine and partly + with her sweet caresses, I was seized with madness, and started up, saying: "All the + wealth in the city is not too much for you; I will fill the house with jewels for + your sake." Then, like a furious elephant who has broken his chain, I rushed out, in + spite of her remonstrances, with a drawn sword, and attacked a body of police, who + happened to be passing. Shouting out, "This is the robber!" they soon overpowered me, + and I fell to the ground.</p> + + <p>The shock sobered me at once, and all the horror of the situation into which I had + brought myself by my folly came into my mind. I thought to myself, my intimacy with + Dhanamittra is well known; suspicion will fall on him; and unless I can turn it off, + he, as well as my wife, will be arrested to-morrow; and I quickly formed a plan by + which they, and perhaps I myself, might be saved. But no time was to be lost; and as + they were about to take me away, I called out to my wife's nurse, Sringâlika, + who had followed me, "Begone, old wretch! and tell that vile harlot your mistress, + and her paramour, Dhanamittra, that she will never see her ornaments, nor he his + magic purse again. I care not for life, if I am revenged on those two wretches."</p> + + <p>The old woman being remarkably quick-witted, at once understood my object in + speaking thus, and very humbly accosting the police said: "Worthy sir, I entreat you + to wait a moment, while I ask your prisoner where he has hid the ornaments of my + mistress."</p> + + <p>To, this they assented, and coming to me, she said: "O, sir, your jealousy is + without cause; whatever attentions that man may have paid my mistress, she is not to + blame. Now that you are taken from her, she will have no means of support, and must + go on the stage again. How can she do this without her ornaments? Take compassion on + her, and say where you have hid them."</p> + + <p>Then, as if my anger were appeased, I answered: "Why should I, who am about to + die, harbour resentment? Come close, and I will whisper where I have put them." In + this manner I managed to give her a few hurried instructions. She went away, with + many blessings on me, and thanks to the men for their kindness; and I was taken to + the king's prison.</p> + + <p>At that time the governor of the prison was a very conceited young man, named + Kantaka, who had lately succeeded to the office by the death of his father. When I + was brought in, looking at me in a very contemptuous manner, he said: "So you are the + thief who has committed so many robberies. If you do not give up the stolen property, + and especially the magic purse, you shall suffer every possible variety of torture + before you are put to death."</p> + + <p>I answered, smiling, "Even though I should give up all the other stolen property, + I will never let the purse go back to that wretch Dhanamittra, my greatest enemy. You + may try all your tortures; you will never get this secret out of me."</p> + + <p>Finding the fear of torture to have no effect, the next day he tried promises; and + so went on from day to day, with alternate soothing and threatening.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, my wounds were attended to, and I was well fed; so that I had regained + my strength when, one day, Sringâlika made her appearance, well dressed, and + with cheerful countenance.</p> + + <p>To my surprise, she was allowed to speak to me in private. She said to me, + joyfully "Your plan has succeeded. As you directed, I went to Dhanamittra and told + him, from you: 'You must go to the king, and say, "The magic purse so lately restored + has again been stolen by one whom I regarded as a friend—a certain gambler, the + husband of the actress Râgamanjari. He has taken it from spite, being jealous + of his wife, to whom, from kindness, I often made presents. He is now in prison for + other offences; and if, he is put to death immediately, as he deserves, I fear that I + shall never recover my purse. I pray, therefore, that he may not be executed before + he has confessed where it is concealed. For he admits having taken it; but declares + that he will not give it up, unless his life is spared."' Your friend, admiring your + ingenuity, and having full confidence in your resources, immediately went to the king + and obtained his request, so that your life is safe for the present.</p> + + <p>"Meanwhile, with the help of gifts furnished by my mistress, I have formed an + intimacy with the nurse of the Princess Ambâlika, and have been introduced by + her to the princess, whose favour I have gained by telling her amusing stories, and + whom I have induced to feel an interest in the misfortune of my mistress.</p> + + <p>"One day, when I was standing near her in the gallery round the court-yard of the + palace, Kantaka, having some business or other, passed through below us. Picking up a + flower which the princess had dropped, I let it fall on his head; and when he looked + up to see from whose hand it came, I managed to make the princess laugh at something + which I said; and the conceited fool, thinking that it was she who had dropped it to + attract his attention, went away looking quite pleased and confused.</p> + + <p>"That same evening I received a present for my mistress, a small basket marked + with the signet of the princess, and containing articles of no great value. This I + took to Kantaka; and begging him to observe the strictest secrecy, made him believe + that the princess had sent it to him. He was even delighted when, another day, I + brought him a dirty dress, telling him that she had worn it.</p> + + <p>"Finding him quite ready to believe this, and convinced that she was in love with + him, I kept up an imaginary correspondence, bringing very loving messages from her, + which I invented, and receiving many from him in return, which I took care not to + deliver. His presents, of course, I kept for myself.</p> + + <p>"In this manner I have raised his hopes very high; and to encourage him still + further, I said: 'I have heard from a learned astrologer, with whom I am acquainted, + that you have certain marks upon you which indicate that you will one day be a king. + This love on the part of the princess tends to the fulfilment of the prediction. You + are therefore on the high road to fortune. If you have spirit enough to pursue it, + all you have to do now is to obtain a secret interview with the lady; the rest will + follow in due time.'</p> + + <p>"'But how can I manage this?' he asked. 'The wall of the garden,' I replied, + 'communicating with the princess's apartments, is separated from those of the gaol by + a space of a few yards only. You could not get over these walls; but you might make + an underground passage, and slip in unobserved; and I will take care that there shall + be some one to receive and conduct you to the princess. When once with her, you are + safe; for all her attendants are attached to her; not one would betray the + secret.'</p> + + <p>"'But how can I make this underground passage?' he asked. 'I cannot dig it myself, + or employ workmen.'</p> + + <p>"'Have you no clever thief here,' I replied, 'accustomed to such work?'</p> + + <p>"'Well suggested,' he answered. 'I have just the right man.'</p> + + <p>"'Who is he?' I said.</p> + + <p>"'That man who has stolen the magic purse,' said he. 'If he will set to work with + a good will he will soon dig his way through.'</p> + + <p>"'Very good,' I answered. 'You must persuade him by promising to let him go when + the work is done. But it would never do for him to be in the secret; therefore, when + he has finished, put on his fetters again, and report to the king that he is + exceedingly obstinate; that you have tried all other means to make him confess, and + that nothing remains but to put him to torture. No doubt the king will give orders + accordingly; and you can easily manage so to inflict it that he shall die under it. + When he is dead, your secret will be safe; you can visit the princess as often as you + like; and, doubtless, in the end the king, rather than disgrace his daughter, will + consent to your marriage; and as he has no other child, will make you his + successor.'</p> + + <p>"With this proposal he was quite delighted; and has been treating you well, that + you may have strength for the work. He intends to ask you to begin to-night; and has + sent me to persuade you, believing me to be devoted to his interests, and looking + forward to some great reward when he has got his wish."</p> + + <p>Having heard this from the old woman, I gave her great praise, and said: "Lose no + time. Tell him I am quite ready to do the work."</p> + + <p>After this, Kantaka came to me, told me what he wanted, and swore a solemn oath + that I should be liberated when the work was done; and I, in return, swore to keep + his secret.</p> + + <p>Then he took off my fetters; I got a bath and a good dinner, and presently set to + work in a dark corner, under the wall. Soon after midnight the work was done, and an + opening made into the courtyard of the women's apartments.</p> + + <p>Before returning, I thought to myself "This man has sworn an oath which he intends + to break: for the preservation of my own life, therefore, I shall be justified in + killing him."</p> + + <p>Having formed this resolution, I went back to the prison, where Kantaka was + waiting for me. He told me it was necessary to replace my fetters for the present; + and I appeared to acquiesce. But as he was stooping to fasten them, I gave him a + violent kick; and before he could recover himself, I had snatched a short sword which + he wore, and cut off his head.</p> + + <p>I then returned to Sringâlika, who had remained in the prison, and said to + her: "I am not disposed to have had all this toil for nothing. Tell me the way into + the ladies' rooms. I will go there and steal something before I make my escape."</p> + + <p>Having received her directions, I passed again through the tunnel which I had + made, came up into the court-yard; and from thence entered a large, lofty room + lighted by jewelled lamps, where a number of women were sleeping.</p> + + <p>There, on a couch ornamented with beautifully carved flowers and resting on lions' + feet, I saw the princess, covered only by a thin silken petticoat, half sunk into a + soft white feather-bed, like lightning on an autumn cloud.</p> + + <p>Fast asleep, as if wearied by much play, she lay in a very graceful attitude, with + her delicate ancles crossed, her knees slightly drawn up; one lovely hand laid + loosely on her side, the other beneath her head; her full bosom, slowly heaved by + gentle breathing, illuminated by the ruby necklace strung on burnished gold; the + top-knot of her loosened hair hanging down like some graceful flower; her lips so + bright that the opening of the mouth could hardly be distinguished; her features in + calm repose, shaded by her lovely ringlets.</p> + + <p>I had entered so softly that no one was disturbed; and I stood gazing for some + time lost in admiration of her beauty, quite forgetting the purpose for which I had + come.</p> + + <p>I thought, she is, after all, the lady of my heart. If I do not obtain her, + Kâma will not suffer me to live; but how can I make known my love to her? Were + I now to wake her, she would start up with a cry of alarm, and I should probably lose + my life. I must think of some other way of letting her know my love.</p> + + <p>Then, looking round, I saw laid on a shelf a thin board prepared for painting, and + a box of paints and brushes. With these I made a hasty sketch of the princess as she + lay, and of myself kneeling at her feet, and underneath it I wrote this + verse:—</p> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Of thee thy slave in humble attitude thus + prays:</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Sleep on, not worn like me by pervading + love."</span><br /> + + + <p>I then painted on the wall near her a pair of chakravâkas in loving + attitude, gently took off her ring, replacing it with mine, and slipped out without + disturbing any of the sleepers.</p> + + <p>There was at that time among the prisoners a man named Sinhaghosha, formerly a + chief officer of police, but now imprisoned through a false accusation made by + Kantaka.</p> + + <p>With this man I had already made acquaintance, and I now went to him and told him + how I had killed Kantaka. With his consent I went forth from the prison, and walked + away with Sringâlika. We had not gone far when we fell in with a patrol. I + thought to myself I could easily run away from them; but what would become of the + poor old woman? she would certainly be caught. Hastily determining, therefore, on + what was best to be done, I walked right up to them with unsteady gait and idiotic + look, and said: "Sirs, if I am a thief kill me, but you have no right to touch this + old woman."</p> + + <p>She, perceiving my intention, came up, and very humbly said: "Honoured sirs, this + young man is my son. He has been for some time confined as a lunatic; but was + supposed to be cured, and I brought him home yesterday. In the middle of the night, + however, he started up, and calling out: 'I will kill Kantaka and make love to the + king's daughter,' rushed out into the street. I have at last overtaken him, and am + trying to take him home. Will you be so good as to help me, and tie his hands behind + him that he may not get away again?"</p> + + <p>As she said this, I called out: "O old woman, who ever bound a god or the wind, + Shall these crows catch an eagle?" and started off at full speed. She, renewing her + entreaties, begged them to pursue me; but they only laughed at her, and said: "Do you + think we have nothing to do but to run after madmen? You must be as mad as he is to + have taken him out;" and so they went on their way.</p> + + <p>I stopped when I found I was not pursued. She soon overtook me, and we went to my + house, to the great joy of my wife, who had scarcely hoped for my deliverance.</p> + + <p>In the morning I saw Dhanamittra, told him all that had happened, and thanked him + for following my directions so punctually.</p> + + <p>After this I went to the forest, to see Mâríchi. I found him restored + to his former condition, and able to give me the desired information. From him I + learnt that you would be here about this time.</p> + + <p>In the morning after my escape, Sinhaghosha informed the king of what had + happened, and how Kantaka had been killed when about to enter the princess's + apartments. Being found to be innocent of the crime of which he was accused, he was + appointed governor of the prison in Kantaka's place.</p> + + <p>Before the underground passage was filled up, he permitted me to pass through it + more than once to the princess, who was favourably disposed towards me through the + picture and verse, and still more by all that Sringâlika had said in my + favour.</p> + + <p>No great search was made after me, and by keeping quiet and going out only at + night I escaped further arrest.</p> + + <p>You know how Chandavarma besieged Champa, and how Sinhavarma was defeated and + taken prisoner. When I heard this, and how the conqueror intended to force the + princess to marry him, I went to Dhanamittra and said: "Do you go about among the + ministers and officers of the imprisoned king and the principal citizens, and tell + them to be ready to attack the enemy as soon as they hear of the death of + Chandavarma. I will engage to kill him to-morrow."</p> + + <p>How Dhanamittra has performed his part you have just seen. As to myself, I put on + a dress suitable for the occasion, and, as many persons were going in and out of the + palace, managed to slip in unobserved and get very near the intending bridegroom. + Suddenly stretching out my arm as he was about to take the hand of the princess, I + gave him a mortal wound with a sword; then saying a few hasty words of encouragement + to her, I defended myself against those who endeavoured to seize me, till I heard + your welcome voice, deep as the sound of thunder, and had the happiness of embracing + you.</p> + + <p>Râjavâhana, having heard this story, said "You have indeed shown + wonderful ingenuity and courage;" then he turned to Upahâravarma, and said: "It + is now your turn;" and he, having made due salutation, thus began:—</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_UPAHARAVARMA" name="ADVENTURES_OF_UPAHARAVARMA"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF UPAHÂRAVARMA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>While wandering about like the others, I cams one day into the country of Videha. + Before entering into Mithila, the capital, I stopped to rest at a small temple, and + found there an old woman, who gave me water for my feet.</p> + + <p>Observing that she looked at me very hard, and that tears came into her eyes, I + asked her: "O, mother, what is the cause of your grief?"</p> + + <p>"You bring to my mind," she answered, the remembrance of my lost foster-child, + who, if he lives, is just about your age. But I will tell you how he was lost.</p> + + <p>"Prahâravarma was formerly king of this country. His queen was a very dear + friend of Vasumati; wife of Râjahansa, King of Magadha, and he went with her + and his twin sons to visit that king. How he was conquered and driven from his + dominions by the King of Mâlwa you have doubtless heard. It was shortly before + that invasion that the visit was made. In the battle which was fought, + Prahâravarma assisted his friend, and was taken prisoner, but was subsequently + liberated.</p> + + <p>"When returning to his own kingdom, he heard that a rebellion had broken out, + headed by his brother's son, Vikatavarma. He therefore turned aside through a forest + road, in the direction of Suhma, hoping to obtain assistance from his sister's son, + the king of that country. On the march, he was attacked and plundered by Bheels; and + I, having charge of one of his children, was separated from the party, and left + behind in the forest.</p> + + <p>"There I was attacked, by a tiger, and dropped the child. The tiger was killed by + an arrow; but I fainted away, and when I recovered, the child was gone, taken away, I + suppose, by the Bheels. Having been found and taken care of by a compassionate + cowherd, I stayed at his cottage till my wounds were healed.</p> + + <p>"Longing to get back to my friends, and to hear some tidings of my mistress, I was + surprised one day by the appearance of my daughter, who had been, with me, in charge + of the other child.</p> + + <p>"After mutual congratulations and embraces, she told me her story as follows: + 'After we were parted, I was wounded by the robbers, lost the child, and was found + wandering about by one of the foresters, who took care of me, and afterwards wished + to make me his wife. I was too much disgusted with him and his way of life to + consent; and, after many threats, he would at last have killed me, but for the + opportune arrival of a young man who happened to be passing, and rescued me from his + hands. That young man has since become my husband. We have been searching for you, + and have now happily found you.'</p> + + <p>"I asked who the man was. He answered: 'I am a servant of the King of Mithila, to + whom I am now going.' Then we all three went to Mithila, and told the king and queen + the sad news of the loss of their children.</p> + + <p>"The war was still going on, and at last the king was overcome and imprisoned, + together with his queen, by his wicked nephew.</p> + + <p>"Since then I have been living as a mendicant. My daughter, whose husband was + killed in the war, being destitute like myself, has entered the service of + Kalpasundari, queen of the usurper. Ah! if those princes had lived, they would have + rescued their father from such degradation."</p> + + <p>She began then to weep and lament; but I comforted her, and said: "Do you not + remember speaking to a certain muni, and telling him of the loss of the child? That + boy was found by him. I am he, and I will contrive some means for killing that wicked + usurper, and setting my parents free. No one can recognise me here, not even my own + mother, were she to see me; therefore I shall be able at my leisure to consider what + is best to be done."</p> + + <p>Exceedingly delighted at hearing this, she kissed me again and again, and said, + with tears of joy: "O, darling! a glorious fortune is before you. Now you are here, + all will be well; you will soon lift up your parents from the sea of sorrow which has + engulfed them. Happy is Queen Priyamvada in having such a son!"</p> + + <p>Then she gave me such food as she had, and I stayed with her, and passed the night + in that temple.</p> + + <p>As I lay awake, I turned over in my mind every plan that suggested itself to me + for the accomplishment of my purpose. Knowing how ready-witted women are in general, + and their fondness for tricks and intrigues, it occurred to me that my foster-sister, + from her position near the queen, might be able to give me material assistance.</p> + + <p>In the morning, after worshipping the gods, I began to question the old woman as + to her knowledge of the interior of the palace, and asked whether she had frequent + opportunities of seeing her daughter. Scarcely had she begun to answer my questions + when I saw some one coming towards us, and she exclaimed: "O, Pushkarika, behold our + master's son; that dear child whom I so carelessly lost in the forest was found and + preserved, and is now restored to us."</p> + + <p>Great was the daughter's delight at seeing me; and, when her agitation had + subsided, her mother said to her: "I was just beginning to tell my dear son something + of the arrangement of the palace, and the habits of the inmates; but you can give him + the required information much better than I can."</p> + + <p>In answer to this she told me all the arrangements of the palace, and added: "The + Queen Kalpasundari, the daughter of the sovereign of Kumâra, is exceedingly + beautiful and accomplished. She despises her husband, who is exceedingly ugly; but + though unkindly treated, and neglected, she has hitherto been faithful to him."</p> + + <p>Hearing this, I said to her: "Whenever you have an opportunity, dwell on the + king's licentiousness; find out, if possible, his scandalous amours; make much of + them; tell her how other women have behaved in similar circumstances; in short, do + everything to stir up her indignation and jealousy against him; and, as soon as + possible, let me know what she says. You may help me greatly in this affair; + therefore be diligent and observant, and be as much as possible with your + mistress."</p> + + <p>Then I said to the old woman: "You must also play your part. You can be introduced + to the queen as a woman skilled in charms and fortune-telling. When you get her to + listen to you, make the most of the opportunity, and second your daughter's + endeavours."</p> + + <p>They both promised to do their utmost. After they were gone I took a small house, + close to the wall of the royal gardens, and waited patiently for the result.</p> + + <p>After some days the old woman came to me, and said: "Darling, we have done exactly + as you wished. The queen has taken a great fancy to me, is very indignant with her + husband, and thinks herself greatly to be pitied. What is now to be done?"</p> + + <p>I then painted a portrait of myself, and said: "Show this to the queen; she will + no doubt admire it, and say: 'Is this a portrait or a fancy picture?' Then do you + answer: 'Suppose it should be a portrait of some living person; what then?' And + whatever she says in reply let me know as soon as possible."</p> + + <p>The next day she came to me again, and said: "When I showed your portrait to the + queen, she gazed at it a long time, and seemed lost in admiration; then she + exclaimed, 'Who can have painted this? Is it possible that such a handsome man can + exist in the world? Surely there is no one here like this!' I answered, 'O lady, your + admiration is quite natural, such a handsome man is very rarely to be found, but + still there might be such a one; and if this should be really the portrait of a young + man, longing to see you—not only thus handsome, but of good birth, very + learned, accomplished, and good-tempered —what would you say then?' 'What would + I say? I say, that if he will be mine, all that I can give him in return, myself, my + heart, my body, my life, will be all too little. But surely you are only deceiving + me; there never can be such a charming person as this picture represents.'</p> + + <p>"In answer to this, I said: 'I am not deceiving you. There is really such a + person, a young prince, who is staying here in disguise; he saw you when you were + walking in the public park, at the feast of Spring, and immediately became a mark for + the arrows of Kâma. Moved by his entreaties, and seeing how suited you are to + each other, I have ventured to take this means of making his passion known to you. If + you will but consent to see him, however difficult access to you may be, his courage, + prudence, and ingenuity are so great, that he will certainly effect it; only say what + your pleasure is.' Then, finding her quite disposed to see you, I told her your real + name and birth. After reflecting some time, she said, 'Mother, I will not conceal + from you a circumstance which his name brings to my memory. My father was a great + friend of the deposed king, and their queens were very much attached to each other. + It was settled between them, that if the one had a son, and the other a daughter, the + two children should be engaged for marriage; but when the Queen Priyamvada had lost + her sons, my father gave me in marriage to Vikatavarma. This young prince was really + destined to be my husband, and I ought to have had him, instead of that ugly wretch, + who is stupid, ignorant of all the arts of pleasing, brutal, rebellious, cruel, + boastful, false, and, above all, most insulting in his behaviour to me; only + yesterday he ill-treated my favourite attendant, Pushkarika, and gathered flowers + from a plant which I had especially cherished, to give to one of his paramours, a low + vulgar woman, who is trying to put herself on an equality with me. He is in every way + unsuited to me, and my misery is so great, that I am ready to catch at any means of + escape from it. It was wretched enough while I thought on no one else, but now that I + have heard of this charming young man, and seen his portrait, I will endure it no + longer, whatever the consequences may be. Therefore, let him come to-morrow evening + to the Madhavi bower in the garden. I am impatient to see him; even the hearing of + him has filled my heart with love.'"</p> + + <p>When the old nurse had given me this account, I determined to risk the adventure, + and obtained from her a minute description of the garden, the direction of the road + and paths, the exact situation of the summerhouse where I was to meet the queen, and + where the guards were stationed.</p> + + <p>Having carefully impressed all these details on my memory, I waited impatiently + for the following night, and lay down to rest. As I lay I thought on the difficulty + of the enterprise, of the sin of seducing the wife of another, and of what + Râjavâhana and my other friends would say to such conduct. On the other + hand, I seemed to be justified by the object I had in view; the liberation of my + parents.</p> + + <p>Perplexed with these conflicting thoughts I fell asleep, and dreamed that Vishnu + appeared to me, and said: "Go on boldly, without hesitation; what you are about to + do, though it may seem sinful, is approved of by me." Encouraged by this vision, I + rose in the morning, fully confirmed in my purpose. The tedious day came at last to + an end, and darkness set in.</p> + + <p>When the proper time arrived, I put on a close-fitting dark dress, girded on my + sword, and set out on the dangerous enterprise.</p> + + <p>Concealed at the edge of the ditch, I found a long bamboo, which the old woman had + procured for me. This I laid across, and so got to the bottom of the wall. Then, + cautiously raising it, I climbed to the top, just where a large heap of bricks had + been piled up inside. Using these as steps, I got safely to the ground, and walked + northward, through an avenue of champaka trees, where, as a favourable omen, I heard + the low murmuring cry of a pair of chakravâkas. Taking an almost opposite + direction, I saw before me what appeared to be a great building, and it was only by + touching it that I found it to be a clump of trees. Going eastward, and turning once + more to the south, I passed through some mango trees, and saw the light of a lantern + shining among the leaves. I then knew that I was right, and went straight up to the + bower, inside of which was a summer-house, with steps leading up to it, and spread + with soft twigs and flowers for a carpet. The room was furnished with a handsome + couch, a golden water-jar, trays of flowers, fans, &c. After I had been seated a + short time, I heard the tinkling of ornaments and smelt a powerful perfume. Rising up + hastily, I slipped out, and stood concealed by the shrubs outside. Presently I saw + the lady enter; she looked about her, and not seeing me, was evidently disappointed + and distressed. I heard her say, with a sad low voice, "Alas! I am deceived, he is + not coming; O my heart, how can this be borne? O adorable Kâma, what have I + done to offend thee, that thou thus burnest me and dost not reduce me to ashes?"</p> + + <p>Having heard this, I made my appearance, and said: "O lovely lady, do you ask how + you have offended Kâma? You have given him great offence, since you disparage + his beloved Rati by your form, his bow by your arched eyebrows, his arrows by your + glances, his great friend, the perfumed wind of Malaya, by your sweet breath, the + notes of his favourite bird by your voice. For all this Kâma justly torments + you. But I have done nothing to offend him; why should he so distress me? Have pity + on me, and cure the wound inflicted by the serpent of love, with the life-giving + antidote of an affectionate look."</p> + + <p>Delighted at seeing me, she required no entreaty on my part, and readily yielded + to my embrace; and, sitting down on the couch, we conversed as though we had been + long acquainted.</p> + + <p>At last the time for separation arrived, and I rose up to go; but she with tears + detained me, saying: "When you depart, my life seems to follow. If you go, let me go + with you."</p> + + <p>I answered: "O my beloved, that is impossible. If you love me, be guided by me, + and we shall soon meet again, not to be parted."</p> + + <p>This she readily promised, and I told her exactly what was to be done. Then + quitting her with reluctance, I returned safely by the way I had come, and she went + back to the palace.</p> + + <p>The next day she showed the picture to the king, who greatly admired it, and asked + her where she had got it. She told him: "I have lately made acquaintance with a very + wonderful old woman, who has travelled over many countries and seen many strange + things; she is very skilful in charms, and has brought me this picture, saying: 'It + has very great magical powers, and so confident am I in their efficacy that I ask for + no payment or reward until you have fully proved them.' She tells me that if certain + ceremonies are performed, and mantras which she has taught me, are recited in a + retired spot at midnight, I shall be changed to a person exactly resembling the + portrait, and shall have the power of transferring that form to you while I regain my + own shape. I have thought it right to tell you this; but do not act hastily: show the + picture to your ministers and consult them."</p> + + <p>The king, greatly astonished, but very desirous of obtaining such a handsome body, + asked the opinion of his counsellors and younger brothers, and they saw no reason why + the experiment should not be tried.</p> + + <p>The hour of midnight on the day of full moon was therefore appointed for the + ceremony, and there was much talk in the city about it.</p> + + <p>"O the wonderful power of magic! Through the skill of the queen, the king will + obtain a new body fit for a god."</p> + + <p>"But is there no danger?"</p> + + <p>"How can there be danger when the ceremony is to be performed by his own queen, in + his own private gardens, where no stranger can enter? Besides, have not the learned + and clever ministers and counsellors approved of it, and is it likely that they would + be deceived?"</p> + + <p>The city was full of such talk as this, and the people awaited with impatience the + night appointed for the working of the miracle.</p> + + <p>When the time arrived a great heap was made in a part of the garden where four + roads met, not far from the summer-house, with large quantities of sandal-wood, + lignaloes, and other sweet-smelling woods, camphor, silk dresses, sesamum, saffron, + and various spices; and several animals, duly slaughtered by the priests, were laid + upon it; and the fire having been lighted, every one withdrew except the king and + queen. She then said to him: "You know how faithless you have been to me, and with + this handsome body you will be a much greater attraction to other women. I know the + fickleness of your disposition. Can you expect that I will confer on you this beauty + for the sake of my rivals?"</p> + + <p>Then he threw himself at her feet, and said "O my darling, forgive my + transgressions. I swear by everything solemn that in future I will keep to you only, + and not even think of any other woman."</p> + + <p>After these and many other protestations, she appeared to be satisfied, and said: + "Now withdraw to that clump of trees, and stay there till I ring the bell; then you + may come again to the fire and see the wonderful change in me."</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, under cover of the thick smoke arising from the burning of all those + substances, I had climbed the wall as before, and was standing in the summer-house + when the queen came in. She said: "Everything is ready. I regard myself now as + entirely yours; nothing shall part us any more;" and, throwing her arms round my + neck, she kissed me again and again.</p> + + <p>Saying to her, "Stay here concealed while I finish the work," I quitted her, went + to the place of sacrifice, and rang a bell hanging on a neighbouring tree; and the + sound summoned the king, like a messenger of death.</p> + + <p>He found me standing by the fire, throwing on it more sandal-wood, lignaloes, and + other precious things; and as he stood gazing in fear and astonishment, and hardly + believing his eyes, I said to him: "Remember what you have promised, and now swear to + me again, taking this sacred fire as a witness, that you will renounce all other + women, and keep to me only."</p> + + <p>He answered: "O queen, there is no deceit in me. I will do all that I have + promised," and he repeated his former oaths.</p> + + <p>But as if not satisfied with this, I said: "I must have some other proof of your + sincerity. Tell me some of your state secrets."</p> + + <p>Then he told me: "My father's brother, Prahâravarma, has been for a long + time in prison; with the consent of my ministers, I intend to poison him, and give + out that he has died of old age and infirmities.</p> + + <p>"I am preparing an army, to be commanded by my brother, for the invasion of Pundra + without any declaration of war.</p> + + <p>"There is a merchant here possessed of a diamond of immense value. I 'am + contriving a plan by which I shall get it from him at a tenth of its worth.</p> + + <p>"There is a man of wealth and influence very displeasing to me. I have engaged a + certain person, named Satahali, the governor of the district, to bring a false + accusation against him, and by that means to stir up the people, and so cause his + death in a popular tumult, which will take away all blame or suspicion from me."</p> + + <p>When I had heard all these things, saying, "Die the death which your wicked deeds + deserve," I suddenly seized him by the throat, stabbed him in a moment to the heart, + and threw the body into the great fire, where it was quickly consumed; after which I + went back to the queen, who was anxiously awaiting me. Though much agitated, she was + more relieved at having got rid of that wretch than shocked at the manner of his + death; and having quieted and consoled her without much difficulty, I went at once + with her to her apartments.</p> + + <p>On seeing him, whom they believed to be the king, so changed, the women and + attendants who met us were evidently much astonished, but so much had been said + beforehand about the wonderful transformation to be expected, that no one seemed to + doubt that I was really the king with a new body; and having said a few words of + encouragement to them, I was received with great respect.</p> + + <p>The rest of the night was passed in hearing from the queen as much as possible + about the court, the ministers, &c., so that I might not appear to be ignorant of + what the king must have known, when I should meet them on the morrow.</p> + + <p>In the morning, after the performance of due worship of the gods, I met the + ministers in council, and they also were so convinced of the power of magic that they + did not hesitate to acknowledge me as their master, expressing their delight at the + happy change.</p> + + <p>Then I said to them: "With this new body I have new feelings and purposes. I + repent of my cruelty to my uncle, and instead of getting rid of him as I had + intended, it is my pleasure that he shall be taken from prison and treated with all + proper respect.</p> + + <p>"That diamond, of which I had intended to get possession, must not be obtained by + fraudulent means. If I should decide on having it, I will pay the full price."</p> + + <p>To the brother who had been appointed to command the army, I said: "Dear brother, + our purpose is changed with regard to that invasion. You will only watch the + frontier; and if there is any beginning of war on the part of the Pundras, attack + them vigorously; but not otherwise."</p> + + <p>I sent also for Satahali, and said: "You know that I wished to get rid of + Anantasíra, because he was suspected of being a partisan of the deposed king. + Now that I am reconciled to my uncle, there is no occasion for anything to be done to + him; you will therefore take no further steps in that affair."</p> + + <p>When the ministers heard all this, and perceived me to be acquainted with secrets + known only to the king and themselves, they were quite confirmed in their first + impression; and while congratulating me and the queen, were loud in their praise of + the power of magic.</p> + + <p>My parents were immediately liberated from prison; and having been informed by the + old nurse of what had been done by me, were quite prepared when I went to them in + public; and afterwards, when we met in private, were able to give way to their + feelings of affection and delight at seeing me again.</p> + + <p>After a short time, with the consent of my wife, I resigned the crown, and + reinstated my parents in their former position; retaining for myself the dignity of + heir-apparent.</p> + + <p>Soon afterwards, a letter arrived from Sinhavarma, an old friend of my father's, + congratulating him on his restoration, and asking for help against Chandavarma, who + was marching to attack him. Upon which I hastily equipped an army, and marched to his + assistance; and have now had the great happiness of meeting with you, as well as of + helping to defeat the enemy.</p> + + <p>Râjavâhana having heard this story, smiled, and said: "Truly, our + friend here has committed great sins; but how can I blame him when his motives were + so good, and he had the praiseworthy object of liberating from a long imprisonment + those who are so dear to him, and of punishing the usurper and oppressor? His courage + and ingenuity have been great; and I congratulate him on his success."</p> + + <p>Then turning to Arthapâla, he said: "Do you relate your adventures." And he + immediately began his story in the following manner:—</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_ARTHAPALA" name="ADVENTURES_OF_ARTHAPALA"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF ARTHAPÂLA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>My Lord, having the same object as your other friends, I wandered about over + various countries in search of you. In the course of my travels, I arrived one day at + the sacred city of Benâres. There I bathed in the pure crystal water of the + river; and duly worshipped the mighty god, the slayer of Andhaka, at his temple + outside the city. After finishing my devotions, I was going on my way, when I saw a + tall, stout man, carrying an iron club, with his eyes red and swelled from weeping, + and engaged in making a noose with his sash.</p> + + <p>I thought to myself: "This man has fallen into some great calamity. He is thinking + of doing violence to himself or to others. I will see if I can assist him." I + therefore went up to him, and said: "This conduct of yours seems to indicate some + rash purpose. May I know the cause of your grief? Perhaps I may be able to help + you."</p> + + <p>He hesitated for a moment, and looked very hard at me; but at last he said: "What + harm can there be in telling you? You shall know my troubles, if you wish to learn + them."</p> + + <p>Then we sat down together under a shady tree, and he began his tale as follows: + "O, fortunate sir, I was once as happy as you appear to be. My father was in good + circumstances, and brought me up carefully; but I preferred a wild, dissipated life, + and at last became a robber. One night I broke into the house of a rich man in this + city, was caught in the act, and condemned to death.</p> + + <p>"My hands were fettered by being passed through holes in a heavy piece of wood; + and in this state I was led out for execution into a public square, where a furious + elephant was brought forward to trample me to death. When he came near me, I shouted + as loudly as possible, in order to frighten him; and lifting up my arms, gave him a + violent blow on the trunk. Upon this, he turned away; and as I continued to shout out + and abuse him, all the efforts of the driver to make him attack me were in vain.</p> + + <p>"Again and again, with much difficulty, the driver brought him in front of me; but + each time, instead of attacking me, he turned back, alarmed by my menacing appearance + and loud shouts; and at last ran right away, leaving me uninjured.</p> + + <p>"The courage which I had shown was observed by the king's chief minister, + Kâmapâla, who was looking on from one of the towers of the palace; and he + sent for me, and said: 'You seem to be a very strong, brave man. I did not think that + elephant could have been so cowed by any one. It is a pity that such qualities should + not be better employed. Are you willing, if you are pardoned, to forsake your evil + ways, and lead an honest life? If you will give me a promise to this effect, I will + take you into my service.'</p> + + <p>"I gladly gave the promise which he required; and he obtained my pardon, and + became my protector and master; and I have served him faithfully ever since. After + some years, seeing my devotion to him, he placed great confidence in me, and one day + told me his own history.</p> + + <p>"'There was,' said he, 'formerly at Pushpapuri a very learned and pious man, named + Dharmapâla, one of the king's ministers. His eldest son was like him; but I, + the youngest, was of a very different disposition. I had no inclination for work or + study; but thought only of amusement, and spent my time among gamblers and + disreputable characters. My father and brother did all they could to restrain me; + but, impatient of their control, I left my home and friends, and wandered about the + world. One day I came to this city, Benâres, and not long after my arrival, I + made acquaintance with the king's daughter, who, with her female friends, was playing + at ball in a park outside the town. We fell in love with each other; and I contrived, + by disguising myself as a woman, to enter her private apartments and to have many + secret meetings with her; the result of which was the birth of a child.</p> + + <p>"'The devoted attendants kept the whole affair secret, removed the infant as soon + as it was born, and telling the mother it was dead, gave it to a savari woman, who + carried it to the public cemetery and left it there.</p> + + <p>"'As she was returning; she was stopped by the watchmen, and in her fright told + them what she had done. Information was given to the king, and further inquiry being + made, my offence was discovered, and one night I was arrested, while quietly sleeping + unsuspicious of danger. Being condemned to death, I was led to execution outside the + city. By a fortunate chance I got my hands free, and snatching the sword from the + executioner, laid about me so vigorously that all the men fell back, and I made my + escape to the forest. There I wandered about for some time, subsisting on wild fruits + and roots, and sleeping in the trees.</p> + + <p>"'While living this precarious life, I was one day astonished at meeting a young + lady, with many female attendants. She addressed me by my name, and desired me to sit + down with her, under a large tree.</p> + + <p>"'When, with much surprise, I asked who she was, and how she came to be in that + wild forest, with such a retinue, and why I was so favoured by her, she told me the + reason of her coming, saying: My name is Târâvali. I am the daughter of a + chief Yaksha. A short time ago I went to visit a friend, living on the Malaya + Mountains, and while flying through the air on my return, as I passed over the + cemetery of Benâres, I heard the cry of a child.</p> + + <p>"'Moved with compassion, I alighted on the ground, took it up and carried it to my + father. He took it to our master, the god Kuvera, who sent for me, and asked, "What + induced you to bring this child?" "A strong feeling of compassion," I answered, as if + it had been my own.</p> + + <p>"'You are right,' he replied; 'there is good reason for what you have done;' and + he showed me how, in a former existence, when you were Sudraka and I Aryadâsi, + the child, now born of the Princess Kantimati, was ours; therefore, I am really your + wife, and it was indeed a maternal instinct which prompted me to save the infant. + Kuvera, however, would not allow me to keep the boy, but ordered me to take him to + the Queen Vasumati, that he might be brought up together with her son, who will one + day become a great monarch.</p> + + <p>"Having performed the command of the god, I am permitted by him to find you out, + and relieve you from your present distress."</p> + + <p>"So saying, she embraced me, and afterwards took me to a fairy palace in the + forest, furnished with all comforts and luxuries, where I passed some time with her + in great happiness.</p> + + <p>"One day, when she was expressing her great love for me, I said: 'I have a strong + desire to take some vengeance on the king who would have put me to death.' Upon + which, with a smile, she said, 'Ah! you wish to see Kantimati; I am not jealous, I + will take you to her.'</p> + + <p>"Then lifting me up, she bore me through the air to the palace, and without + disturbing the guards, placed me at the bedside of the king.</p> + + <p>"Grasping a sword lying near him, I awakened him, and said: 'I am, your + son-in-law; I took your daughter without your consent, and am now come to make + submission and atone for my fault."</p> + + <p>"Seeing the drawn sword held over him he was much alarmed, and said: 'I must have + been mad to act as I did and reject such a son-in-law; I will now acknowledge you, + and you shall duly marry my daughter.'</p> + + <p>"He kept his word, the next day announced the intended marriage to all the court, + and shortly afterwards publicly gave me his daughter.</p> + + <p>"Târâvali remained with me, became great friends with her fellow-wife, + told her the story which she had related to me, and how her son had been preserved + and was taken care of by Queen Vasumati.</p> + + <p>"Thus I have for some years lived happily, holding, as you know, a very important + office."</p> + + <p>[End of the story of Kâmapâla as told to his servant.]</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + <p>"Some time after this, the death of the old king occurred, and as the eldest son + had died during his father's lifetime, of consumption brought on by dissipation and + debauchery; my master, together with the other ministers, placed Sinhaghosha, a boy + about five years old, on the throne, and had him carefully educated.</p> + + <p>"As the young king grew older, he was surrounded by companions nearer his own age, + and they not liking the restraint put upon them by the wise and prudent + Kâmapâla, endeavoured secretly to excite a prejudice against him, saying, + 'This fellow, who sets himself up to be so wise and virtuous, is a wicked wretch, who + first seduced the princess, and then, having escaped the death he so well deserved, + managed to get to the bedside of the sleeping king, and to frighten him into + compliance with his demands. This Kâmapâla intends to make himself king; + he poisoned your eldest brother, and only spared you in order to obtain the support + of the people, knowing that the real power would remain in his own hands. Depend on + it you will not be suffered to live when you are old enough to shake off his + authority. If you wish to be safe you should get rid of him at once.'</p> + + <p>"With these, and other similar speeches, they so prejudiced the young king against + his guardian and minister, that he would gladly have got rid of him at once, but was + deterred by fear of the power of his Yaksha wife.</p> + + <p>"One day the queen, seeing the Princess Kantimati very sad, asked her the reason + of her sadness, saying, 'Tell me the truth; you cannot deceive me; what is the cause + of this depression?' 'Did I ever deceive you?' she answered; 'my friend and + fellow-wife, Târâvali, has taken offence at something done or said by our + husband, and though we tried to soothe her, she went away, and has not returned; this + is the cause of my distress.'</p> + + <p>"The queen hearing this, immediately told her husband, 'Kâmapâla has + quarrelled with his fairy wife, and she has left him. There is nothing now to prevent + your proceeding against him as you please.'</p> + + <p>"Sinhaghosha, longing to be freed from restraint, caused his minister to be + arrested, when he came the next day to the palace, as usual, unsuspicious of danger. + This very day he will be led round the city, be proclaimed a traitor, and have his + eyes put out.</p> + + <p>"I, having lost my only friend and protector, have no wish to live, and was + fastening my sash to hang myself, when you interrupted me."</p> + + <p>When Purnabhadra had finished this story, I said to him, "I am that child who was + exposed in the cemetery, and saved by the fairy. My coming here is indeed opportune, + and with your assistance I will engage to deliver my father. I would boldly attack + the guards as they lead him round the city, but fear, lest in the confusion he might + be killed, when all my exertions would have been in vain; some other plan must + therefore be thought of."</p> + + <p>While I was thus speaking to him a serpent put out his head from a hole near me, + and, knowing how to charm serpents, I made it come forth, and secured it.</p> + + <p>Then I said to Purnabhadra: "O friend, this is just what I wanted. I will mix with + the crowd when my father is led round, let this serpent fall on him as if by chance, + and then run up to him and say that I am skilled in charms, and can save his life. No + doubt they will allow me to try, and I will stop the effect of the poison in such a + manner that he will not die, and yet remain insensible, as if dead. Meanwhile, do you + go to my mother, ask to see her in private, and tell her that the son whom she had + lost is now here. Explain to her my plan for saving my father, and say that when she + hears of the death of her husband, she must go to the king as if in the greatest + grief, and ask for permission to burn herself together with the dead body. When this + request is granted, as no doubt it will be, she must prepare the funeral pile, and + make ready for self-immolation, laying the apparently dead body on a couch in a + private room till I come, when I will tell her what is further to be done."</p> + + <p>Purnabhadra, delighted with the plan which I proposed, no longer wished to destroy + himself. He set out at once to do as I had directed him, and I went immediately into + the city. There I saw great crowds already collected, and ascertained where the + executioner would stand when the proclamation was made.</p> + + <p>Overhanging the place, there happened to be a large tree, with thick foliage. Into + this I climbed, and waited patiently, listening to the talk of the people collected + underneath.</p> + + <p>Presently the executioner and his men came, bringing the prisoner, and the + proclamation was made three times.</p> + + <p>"Know all men that this traitor, Kâmapâla, has not only poisoned the + late king and his eldest son, but has been convicted of plotting against the life of + his present majesty; he endeavoured to persuade two of the king's faithful attendants + to administer poison, but they have given information, and his life is justly + forfeited; the king, however, in consideration of his being a brahman, and nearly + connected with himself, has spared his life, and only sentenced him to have his eyes + put out. Let all evil-doers take warning by his punishment."</p> + + <p>While this proclamation was being read, I climbed to a branch of the tree just + over my father, and dropped on him the poisonous serpent, which immediately bit him. + In the confusion which ensued, I slipped down from the tree, and, having mixed with + the crowd, managed, while shouting out "This is a just punishment from heaven; so may + all traitors perish," to get close to my father, and quickly applied a charm in such + a manner that, though he fell down apparently dead, the effect of the poison was + stopped. The executioner being also bitten; and his assistants, as well as the crowd + of spectators, being alarmed and dispersed from dread of the poisonous serpent; this + act of mine was not noticed.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, my mother, who had been prepared by Purnabhadra to hear of her + husband's death, went immediately to the king, attended by a large number of friends, + and said; "The gods know if my husband was your enemy or not; I will not now attempt + to defend him; but, whether he was innocent or guilty, your anger should cease now he + is dead. I pray you to allow me to burn his body, and according to the custom of + widows of my rank, to ascend the funeral pile together with him. Were I not to + perform this duty, disgrace would fall on you and on the whole family, as well as on + myself."</p> + + <p>The king, well pleased to have got rid of the obnoxious minister, without + incurring the sin of killing him, exclaimed: "This death is indeed the act of fate!" + And, immediately granting her request, permitted the body of Kâmapâla to + be taken to his own house, where I had by that time arrived, and was ready to receive + it.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, my mother prepared for death, and, resisting all the entreaties of her + friends and servants, expressed her determination to be burnt together with her + husband.</p> + + <p>When everything for the funeral was arranged, she came into the private room, + where the body had been laid, and there saw her husband fully recovered, and me + sitting by him. Great was her delight and astonishment at this wonderful and sudden + change; and having first embraced her husband, she threw her arms round me, and, with + a voice broken by sobs of joy, said: "O, my darling son, how can I deserve such + happiness?—I, who so cruelly abandoned you at your birth, and suffered you to + be taken away, as if dead? but your father was not to blame for that; he, indeed, + deserves to have been restored to life by you, and to have the happiness of seeing + you. Cruel, indeed, was Târâvali, who, when she had received you again + from Kuvera, did not bring you at once to me; but what could I expect from her? It is + through her unkindness in leaving us that all this misfortune has happened; but I + must not complain; I was not worthy, without previous suffering, to enjoy such great + happiness. Come and embrace me."</p> + + <p>Saying this, she again threw her arms round me, and kissed me repeatedly, + trembling with emotion, and shedding many tears of joy. My father's feelings were + scarcely less excited. He seemed to have risen from the lowest depth of misery to the + summit of felicity, and esteemed himself more fortunate than even Indra the King of + the Gods.</p> + + <p>When we were all somewhat calmed, and I had explained to my father all that had + occurred, I said: "There is much yet to be done; the king will soon find out the + deception which has been practised, and send to arrest you again; so we must consider + how we can defend ourselves."</p> + + <p>My father answered: "This house is a very large one; the walls are strong; there + are many secret passages; I have a great store of weapons; my servants are brave and + faithful, so that we could hold out for several days. Besides this I have many + friends in the city; most of the authorities will favour me; many of the soldiers + will be on my side, and there are many persons discontented and ready to rebel + against the king. Therefore, if we act prudently, we shall have much assistance, and + be able to cut off that tyrant."</p> + + <p>With this I entirely agreed, and we prepared for defence. As I had expected, the + king, finding how he had been deceived, sent soldiers to take us; but, though they + made many attempts, we drove them back day after day, with very small loss to + ourselves.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, fearing lest we should at last be overpowered, if something more were + not done, I determined, if possible, to seize the person of the king; and, as my + father's house was not far from the palace, I began to make an underground passage + inside, in order to reach his sleeping-room, the exact position of which I had learnt + from my father. After digging for some distance, I came, to my great astonishment, + into a large, lofty, well-lighted room, occupied by a number of women, among whom was + a young lady of surpassing beauty, resembling the wife of Kâma, or the tutelary + goddess of the city, who had hidden herself here to avoid the sight of so much + wickedness above.</p> + + <p>The women were equally astonished at seeing me, and ran away, alarmed, into other + adjoining rooms. One old woman, however, remained behind, and, falling at my feet, + said "Have pity on us poor helpless women; surely thou art a god, for no mortal could + have thus found his way hither. O tell us why thou art come."</p> + + <p>"Calm yourself," I answered, "You have nothing to fear from me. I am + Arthapâla, the son of the minister Kâmapâla and the Princess + Kantimati, and have come thus unexpectedly on you while making an underground passage + from my father's house to the palace; but tell me who you all are, and how you come + to be living here."</p> + + <p>"O prince," she answered, "I had heard of your birth, but not of your + preservation, and happy am I now to see you. Know that the young lady whom you have + just seen is the granddaughter of your maternal grandfather, Chandasinha. The eldest + son of that king died before his father, leaving his wife pregnant, and she lost her + life in giving birth to this daughter, who was committed to my care. One day the king + sent for me, and said: 'I intend this child when grown up to be given in marriage to + Darpasâra, son of the King of Mâlwa; and, remembering the misconduct of + her aunt, I am determined that nothing of the kind shall happen with her. I have + therefore caused a spacious palace to be made underground, and have furnished it with + provisions and all other necessaries for even a hundred years. I have great + confidence in you; you will therefore go down into this subterranean dwelling, taking + with you the princess and such attendants as you may think desirable, and will remain + there until she is grown up, when I shall fetch you from below, and give her in + marriage as I have intended.' So saying, he lifted up a small trap-door in the + court-yard close to his own apartment, and showed me the steps leading to this place. + The next day we all came down, and have remained here ever since. Twelve years have + now passed, and the king seems to have forgotten us. I must tell you also that the + princess, though destined by her grandfather for Darpasâra, was originally + intended for you; for her mother, while the child was as yet unborn, promised that + her daughter should become the wife of the son of Kantimati if he should ever return. + Look on her, therefore, as your intended, and do what is best for us."</p> + + <p>Having received this account from the old woman, I told her to have no fear on the + princess's account, but to trust entirely in me, and that I would soon liberate them + from their long and tedious imprisonment.</p> + + <p>She then took a lamp and showed me the steps leading to the trap-door, which I + forced open, and soon found my way into the king's bed-room. There, before he was + sufficiently awake to call for help, I seized, gagged, and bound him, and dragging + him along, as an ichneumon drags a serpent, past the astonished women and through the + tunnel which I had made, I brought him, trembling with fear and bowed down by shame, + to my father's house, and showed him to my parents, telling them how I had captured + him, and how I had discovered the princess in the subterranean palace.</p> + + <p>When the seizure of the king was known, those who were previously well-disposed to + my father immediately joined us, and all opposition ceased.</p> + + <p>Soon afterwards I married the princess, who looked on me as her deliverer from the + dungeon; Sinhaghosha was deposed; and I, having double claim to the throne, was + acknowledged king in his stead.</p> + + <p>Hearing that the King of Anga, a devoted friend of your father, was at war, and + attacked by a strong enemy, we have marched hither with an army to his assistance, + and I have had the pleasure of helping to deliver him from his enemies, and the still + greater happiness of meeting with you. I now beg of you to decide what shall be done + with the deposed king, our prisoner, whom we have brought with us. My mother is very + anxious to liberate him, but hitherto it has not been thought safe to do so.</p> + + <p>The prince answered: "Let that unworthy young man be freed, on condition of giving + up all claim to the throne and leading a private life; and let him devote himself to + pious meditation, which is the purifier of evil deeds." Then turning with a kind look + to Pramati, he said: "Do you now relate your adventures," with which request he at + once complied:—</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_PRAMATI" name="ADVENTURES_OF_PRAMATI"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF PRAMATI.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>My lord, while wandering like the rest of your friends in search of you, I found + myself one evening in a large forest, far from any habitation. Thinking it useless to + attempt to go further in an unknown country and in darkness, I prepared to sleep + there. Having bathed in the water of a small lake, and made myself a bed of leaves, I + lay down under a large tree, commending myself to the deities presiding over the + place, and was very soon asleep.</p> + + <p>Presently a strange and delightful feeling came over me, gladdening my inmost + soul; and I awoke, hardly knowing whether what I saw was a reality or a dream, for on + looking round me I saw that I was no longer in the forest, but in a very large and + lofty room, lying on a soft couch with white muslin curtains; all around me were a + number of sleeping women. Among them my eyes were especially attracted towards a + young lady of exceeding beauty, lying in a very graceful attitude, covered only by a + silken petticoat, her bosom slowly rising and falling, and her bud-like lower lip + quivering with the soft movement of the breath in quiet sleep.</p> + + <p>Lost in astonishment, I said to myself; "What has become of that great forest + wrapt in darkness? How is my bed of leaves exchanged for this soft couch? Whence is + this dome above me, lofty as the great temple of Siva? Who are all these lovely + women, like a troop of Apsaras lying down wearied with play? And who can this + beautiful lady be? She cannot be a goddess, for the gods do not sleep thus, nor do + they perspire, and I see the drops breaking forth on her forehead. She must then be a + mortal; but O how lovely! how peacefully she sleeps, as if she had never known the + anxieties of love! My heart is drawn towards her."</p> + + <p>With these thoughts I rose up and approached the bed where she lay, and stood + looking at her as if entranced, becoming every moment more enamoured, longing to + touch her, but held back by the fear of disturbing her.</p> + + <p>While I was thus gazing, she gradually awoke, and raising herself into a sitting + posture, looked at me attentively with eyes more than half closed. At first her lips + were opened, as if she were about to cry out; but, apparently restrained by some + secret power, she remained silent, trembling all over, and showing in her countenance + the signs of mingled doubt, fear, astonishment, bashfulness, and love; till at last, + overcome again by sleep, she slowly sank down again on the bed.</p> + + <p>Almost at the same time I felt myself irresistibly overcome by drowsiness, and was + very soon fast asleep.</p> + + <p>When I awoke, I found myself on the bed of leaves once more, alone in the gloomy + forest, and day was beginning to appear.</p> + + <p>When I was quite awake I had some difficulty in collecting my thoughts, and I said + to myself: "Can all this of which I have such a vivid impression be other than a + reality, or was it only a dream, a magical delusion? Whatever it may be, I will not + quit this place till I find out the truth, and I will place myself under the + protection of the deity who sent the vision."</p> + + <p>Having formed this resolution, I was waiting where I had slept, when I saw + approaching me a female form faded like a flower scorched by the sun, with eyes red + from weeping, lips parched by the hot breath of sighs, wearing a scanty black dress, + without ornaments, and with her hair in a single braid, like an affectionate wife + mourning for the absence of her husband;<a id="FNanchor6" name="FNanchor6"></a><a + href="#Footnote_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> and with all this having an air of divine + dignity, which made me regard her with reverence, and think that she might be the + tutelary goddess of the place, to whom I had commended myself; and I prostrated + myself before her. But she raised me up with her arms, and after kissing me again and + again, said, with a voice broken by tears and sobs, "O, my darling, surely you have + heard from the Queen Vasumati how one night a fairy appeared to her, and placing the + child Arthapâla<a id="FNanchor7" name="FNanchor7"></a><a + href="#Footnote_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> in her arms, told her husband's name and her + own; and how the child was brought by order of Kuvera; and then disappeared. I am + that fairy—your mother. Bewildered by unreasonable jealousy and anger, I + abandoned my husband, your father, Kâmapâla; and for that sin I was + cursed by Durgâ, who condemned me to be possessed by an evil spirit for a year. + That year, which seemed to me like a thousand years, is ended; and I am now come from + the great festival of Siva, where I have met my relations, who had assembled there, + and have received full pardon from the goddess.</p> + + <p>"In my way thither, I passed by this place, saw you about to lie down, and heard + your prayer to the local deity.</p> + + <p>"Being still partly under the influence of the curse, I did not recognise you as + my son. Yet even as a stranger I felt an interest in you, and could not bear the + thought of leaving you exposed to danger in such a wild place. I therefore waited + till you were fast asleep; and having considered where I could deposit you while I + was gone to meet the goddess, since I could not take you with me, it occurred to me + to carry you to the palace of the King of Sravasti, and leave you to sleep there till + my return. I therefore carried you through the air, and placed you in the sleeping + apartment of the Princess Navamâlika, feeling sure that no one would disturb + you there. I then went to the temple; and after paying due worship to Siva, and + receiving the congratulations of my assembled friends, I was dismissed by the + goddess, who said: 'You are forgiven; the curse is ended; go and be happy with your + husband.' After which I returned to the palace; and taking you up, brought you to + this place, and laid you, still sleeping, on your bed of leaves. Since then, I have + been watching for your awaking; for as soon as the curse was removed, I knew you to + be my son.</p> + + <p>"I must now leave you, and go to your father. I know what passed in the palace; + how you have fallen in love with the princess, and her feelings towards you. Do not + despond; before long you will see her again."</p> + + <p>She then warmly embraced me; and saying: "I go with reluctance, farewell for the + present," she departed.</p> + + <p>Having thus found the supposed dream to be a reality, and that the lady whom I had + seen was the Princess Navamâlika, I was confirmed in my love, and set out for + Sravasti, determined, if possible, to see her again.</p> + + <p>On the road, I came to a village where there was a large fair and a great + concourse of traders. Various amusements were going on; among others, a cock-fight, + which I stopped to look at, and sat down near an old brahman, who was watching the + fight with great interest. On seeing me smile, he asked the reason; and I answered: + "What simpletons some of the breeders here must be to pit a Balâka cock against + one of the Nârikela breed, which is sure to win."</p> + + <p>With a knowing look, he whispered to me: "Hush! these blockheads know no better. I + see you are a sharp fellow; sit quiet and say nothing." Then he offered me betel and + pawn from his box; and we got into conversation.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, the birds fought furiously; and there was much vociferation on both + sides; but, as I had predicted, the Balâka cock was beaten. The old man was + delighted at the victory of the other, which was his own. He seemed to have taken a + great liking to me, though our ages were so different, and invited me to his house, + where I was very hospitably treated, and passed the night.</p> + + <p>The next morning he accompanied me some distance on the way to Sravasti; and said, + at parting: "Remember, I am your friend; do not hesitate to apply to me if there is + anything in which I can help you."</p> + + <p>After he had left me, I continued my journey; and arriving late and very tired at + Sravasti, I lay down to sleep in an arbour in one part of the park outside the city. + There I slept soundly till awakened by the noise of the swans and other birds in a + lake not far off.</p> + + <p>Soon after I had risen, I heard the tinkling of anklets, and saw a young lady + walking towards me, with a painted canvas in her hand. When she came near, she looked + first at me, and then at the painting. This she did several times, and was evidently + surprised and pleased at the comparison On casting an eye on the picture, I also was + much surprised, finding it to be a portrait of myself.</p> + + <p>Feeling sure that the likeness could not be accidental, and that there must be + some reason for her making the comparison and seeming so pleased at the result, I + would not at first make any inquiry of her, but merely said: "This is a public place; + we need not stand on ceremony; pray sit down with me." This she did; and we got into + conversation about the news of the town.</p> + + <p>At last she said to me: "You seem to be quite a stranger here, and look as if you + were travel-tired. Will you be offended if I ask you to come and rest at my + house?"</p> + + <p>"Offended!" I answered. "You do me a very great favour; I shall be most delighted + to accept your invitation." Upon this, she rose, and I followed her to her house, + where I was most kindly entertained. When I was refreshed with bathing and food, she + said to me: "You have been travelling about in various countries. Have you, in your + travels, met with any very extraordinary adventure?"</p> + + <p>On hearing this question, I thought: "I have now good ground for hope. The picture + represents that very room which I saw, with its lofty ceiling and white + canopies—even the bed where the princess was lying. Instigated by love, she has + doubtless painted my portrait from recollection; and, in the hope that I may be + discovered through the likeness, has entrusted it to this lady who has now invited me + to her house. She evidently thinks that I am the person; but hesitates to put a + direct question to me. If I am right, I will soon remove her doubt."</p> + + <p>I asked her, therefore: "Will you allow me to examine that picture?" She put it + into my hand; and I drew on it the princess lying as I had seen her; and giving it + back, said: "One night, while sleeping in a forest, I had a very wonderful dream. I + found myself lying in just such a room as that which is represented in this painting; + and saw there a very beautiful young lady, such as I have painted here; could that + have been anything more than a dream?"</p> + + <p>When she heard this, her face lighted up, and she answered: "That was no dream, + but a reality; and you are indeed the person I was looking for." Then she told me the + whole story; how the princess had seen and fallen in love with me; and how she had + painted that picture and given it to her friend, that it might be the means of + discovering me; and how delighted she would now be to hear that I was found at + last.</p> + + <p>I begged her to assure the princess that I was even more anxious to see her, and + had come to Sravasti solely from the hope of finding her.</p> + + <p>"If your friend is disposed to favour me," I continued, "beg her to wait patiently + a few days; I will arrange a plan which will enable us to be together in her + apartments, without danger to either of us." To this she agreed, and having taken + leave of her, I went back to the village where the old brahman lived, whom I had met + at the cock-fight. I found him at home, and delighted to see me. After I was rested + and refreshed, he asked me, "What has brought you back so soon? is there anything in + which you require my assistance?"</p> + + <p>"There is,"' I answered, "a very important affair, in which you can materially + assist me. The King of the Sravastans, Dharmavardhana,<a id="FNanchor8" + name="FNanchor8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> whose character + corresponds with his name, has a very beautiful daughter. By an extraordinary chance, + I have seen and fallen in love with her. I have reason to believe that she was + equally struck by me, but know not how to contrive a meeting between us without your + help; will you therefore assist me?"</p> + + <p>"What is your plan?" he asked, "and how can I be of service in carrying it + out?"</p> + + <p>"My plan is this," I replied. "I will dress as a woman, and pass for your + daughter; and you are so clever and ready-witted, that I think you will be able to + get me into the palace as a companion to the princess, and even to manage so that she + shall become my wife." Then I told him how I thought this might be accomplished; and + he quite approved of what I proposed, entered into it with great spirit, and promised + his ready co-operation.</p> + + <p>Accordingly, the first day that the king was sitting in public to administer + justice, the old man approached, followed by me dressed as a woman, walking modestly + behind him, and bowing down to the king, he said: "My lord, I have heard of your + great beneficence, and how you are the father of all your subjects, the protector and + friend of the helpless; I am therefore come to ask a great favour. This girl is my + only daughter. Her mother died soon after her birth. I have brought her up, and she + has never left me; but I am desirous now to be relieved of this charge and to see her + well married. A long time ago, she was engaged to a young brahman, who went to + Oujein, to study there, and acquire the means of supporting a wife and family. I have + been expecting his return for some time, but have heard nothing of him; I am, + therefore, very uneasy on my daughter's account, and purpose to go to Oujein, and + find out whether he is alive or dead. I cannot leave my daughter alone, and have no + friend or near relation with whom I can place her. Will your majesty deign to allow + her to remain under your protection until my return?"</p> + + <p>To this the king graciously assented, and I was received into the palace, where I + soon found means of letting the princess know of my disguise, and was taken into her + apartments as one of her immediate attendants.</p> + + <p>Thus our wishes were gratified, and we enjoyed uninterrupted intercourse with each + other. But more was yet to be done, and when the time was nearly arrived at which it + had been arranged between me and the old brahman that he was to come to fetch me, I + said to my darling: "To-morrow, as you know, there will be a procession to a certain + holy place near the river; you and your attendants will join in it and have an + opportunity of bathing there. While we are in the water, I will scream out, as if + drowning, and, diving underneath the surface, will come up among the bushes a long + way off, without being seen. Do you appear greatly distressed at my death; but fear + nothing, I shall soon come to you again."</p> + + <p>Accordingly, the next day, while bathing in the Ganges, I made it appear as if I + were accidentally carried out of my depth and drawn in by one of the eddies of the + river, and screamed out loudly for help. My cries and screams and subsequent + disappearance caused a great commotion, and long search was made for my body; but of + course in vain, for I had dived under, and come to the surface unobserved among the + thick bushes at the place which had been agreed upon. There, having gone on shore, I + soon found the old brahman, who was waiting for me with a suit of men's clothes, and, + putting them on, I walked quietly with him into the town.</p> + + <p>The next day, as if he had heard nothing of the loss of his pretended daughter, he + went to the king, accompanied by me, and said "My lord, I have returned from Oujein, + and have brought with me this young man, the intended husband of my daughter, with + whom I am much pleased, and whom I can confidently recommend to your favour, for I + have heard an exceedingly good report of him there. He is not only very learned in + the vedas and commentaries, advanced in science and arts, well instructed in politics + and history, clever in reciting stories and poetry, but is a bold and skilful rider, + a good archer and swordsman. There is scarcely anything that a young man should know, + with which he is not familiar; and, with all this, he is free from conceit, + good-tempered, gentle, and kind; in short, he seems to me almost perfect, and more + fit to marry a princess than the daughter of such a man as I am. When I have seen my + child happily married to him, I shall not trouble them with my society, but withdraw + from the world, and end my days in a hermitage. I have now come to take back my + daughter, with the most humble and heartfelt gratitude for the gracious protection + which you have so kindly afforded her." With these words he bowed himself to the + ground in humble obeisance.</p> + + <p>On hearing this the king was greatly perplexed, and obliged to admit that the girl + had been drowned while bathing, and that her body had not been found.</p> + + <p>Then the old man began to tear his hair, beat his breast, and show signs of the + most extravagant grief, calling on the king to restore his dear daughter, and + reproaching him with having caused her death. In vain did the king make him large + offers of compensation; he refused them all, declaring it to be his firm intention to + put himself to death at the gate of the palace, and so cause the sin to fall on the + king's head.<a id="FNanchor9" name="FNanchor9"></a><a + href="#Footnote_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a></p> + + <p>He, despairing of finding any other way of appeasing the old man, after some + consideration and consultation with his ministers, said to him: "You have told me + that your intended son-in-law is a young man of rare abilities, and more fit to be + the husband of a princess than of your daughter, and his appearance is very + prepossessing; I offer him then my daughter in the place of yours. Will this satisfy + you?" Then at last the old man professed to be contented; I was treated with much + honour, in due time became the husband of the princess, and reached the summit of my + wishes.</p> + + <p>After a time, an army was sent by my father-in-law to the assistance of the King + of Anga, and, thinking of the possibility of meeting you here, I solicited and + obtained the command of it, and my hopes have been fulfilled, since I have now the + great pleasure of seeing you.</p> + + <p>Having heard this story, the prince remarked: "You have done no deeds of blood, + but have gained your ends by gentleness and ingenuity. This is the way approved of by + the wise." Then turning to Mitragupta, he said "It is now your turn," and he + immediately began his story thus:—</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_MITRAGUPTA" name="ADVENTURES_OF_MITRAGUPTA"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF MITRAGUPTA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>My lord, I set out on my travels in search of you, like the rest, and arriving one + day at Damalipta, I saw a great crowd collected in a large park outside the city. + While looking about me to find some one of whom I might inquire what this festival + was, I espied a young man, sitting alone in an arbour, amusing himself with playing + on a lute. Going up to him, I asked "What is this concourse of people? Why do you sit + here alone, away from the others?"</p> + + <p>He answered: "A long time ago, the king of this country, having no children, made + many prayers and offerings to the goddess Durgâ, in the hope of propitiating + her. At last she appeared to him in a dream, and said: 'Your prayer is granted; your + wife shall bear twins—a daughter who must be your successor, and a son who must + be subject to her and to her husband when she marries. Further, it is my will and + pleasure that, beginning from her seventh year, you shall make, every month when the + moon is in the constellation Krittika (or the Pleiades), a great festival, to be + called the Festival of the Ball Dance, at which she shall publicly exhibit her skill + before the people. I also will, that in reference to a husband, she shall have free + choice without any pressure on your part, and that he whom she marries shall have + equal power with her, and reign after your death.'</p> + + <p>"The promise given in the dream was fulfilled. The queen bore twins—a son + and a daughter. The king has duly obeyed the commands of the goddess, and to-day the + princess, whose name is Kandukavati, will again perform the ball dance for the + propitiation of Durgâ in the sight of the people here assembled.</p> + + <p>"You asked me also why I am sitting here alone. I will tell you. The Princess + Kandukavati has a dear friend and foster-sister, who is engaged to me.</p> + + <p>"Of late, Bhimadhanwa, the brother of the princess, has cast his eyes on her, and + persecuted her with his importunities. Knowing his character, I have great fear lest + some day he should use violence towards her. This is why I am so anxious and uneasy, + and have no inclination to join in the festivities."</p> + + <p>Just then I heard the tinkling of anklets, and a young lady came to the place + where we were sitting.</p> + + <p>On seeing her, my companion started up with great delight, and, taking her by the + hand, introduced her to me, saying: "This is the lady whom I have told you of, dearer + to me than life, the thought of separation from whom, through the wickedness of that + wretch, burns me like fire, and causes me to suffer misery greater than death. I have + no loyalty or respect towards him, and will lose my life rather than suffer him to + accomplish his wicked purpose."</p> + + <p>But she, with tears in her eyes, said: "O my beloved, do not on my account engage + in any act of violence; whatever might be the result, your own life would, certainly + be forfeited. You have continually professed your great love for me; be guided now by + my advice. I am ready to follow you wherever you go; let us then fly from this + country, and go where we shall be safe from my persecutor."</p> + + <p>My new acquaintance then turned to me, and said: "You seem to have been a great + traveller; tell us in what country we may be most in safety and best able to + live."</p> + + <p>I smiled at this, and answered: "The world is wide, and there are plenty of + countries pleasant to live in; but, after all, one's own country is the best; why + should you banish yourselves? I think I can contrive some means by which you will be + enabled to remain here in safety and comfort. Wait then a while, and if I cannot do + this I will tell you where it will be best for you to go."</p> + + <p>Before we had time to say more, the young girl started up, saying: "I dare not + stay a moment longer. I have stopped away from my mistress to see you, and now I hear + her coming, and must join her directly. Any one may see the princess at this + festival; I hope you will have a good view of her." Saying this to me, she ran off, + and we both followed her to the place where the princess was to perform—an open + stage which had been erected in the park.</p> + + <p>Presently she made her appearance, followed by a train of female attendants, and + the moment I saw her my heart was drawn towards her. I almost doubted whether she + were a goddess or a mortal; but when she began to play, I was even more captivated by + her graceful movements than I had been by her beauty.</p> + + <p>First she made a low obeisance in honour of the goddess; then taking up the bright + red ball with her slender fingers, she let it drop as if accidentally, and striking + it as it rebounded, caught it on the back of her hand and sent it high into the air; + then she made it rise and fall, at first slowly, then faster, and then very rapidly, + keeping time to it by graceful movements of the feet. Sometimes it seemed to stand + still, sometimes to fly up like a bird; at one time she would strike it alternately + with her right hand and left hand; at another send it high into the air, dancing + meanwhile to her own singing; then the ball would go quite away, and come back as if + of itself. Thus she went on a long time amidst the applause of the surrounding + spectators, performing various graceful movements, striking the ball with feet as + well as hands, and even making it whirl round and round her so rapidly that she + seemed to be enclosed in a fiery red cage; now with one hand holding up her dress or + replacing her hair which had fallen down, and keeping the ball in motion with the + other; now taking several balls and keeping them all in the air at once.</p> + + <p>At last the performance was ended; and, after again making a low obeisance in + honour of the goddess, she walked slowly round the stage, leaning on the arm of her + foster-sister Chandrasena, and followed by her maidens, casting several significant + glances at me, and especially giving me one long lingering look as she withdrew.</p> + + <p>My new friend, Kosadâsa, who had stood near me all the time, invited me to + his house, where I was most hospitably entertained.</p> + + <p>In the evening, Chandrasena, the lady to whom he had introduced me, came to see + him. I said to her: "I promised to find some means of freeing you from the + importunities of the prince; this is what I have thought of. I have a magic ointment, + a small quantity of which applied to your face will make you look like a monkey in + the eyes of all who see you. Your persecutor will certainly then be disgusted, and + give you no more annoyance."</p> + + <p>"Truly I am exceedingly obliged to you," she answered, "for such a charming + proposal. But whatever I may be in a future birth, I have no inclination to be turned + into a monkey now. If you have nothing better than this to propose, we shall not + esteem your wisdom very highly. Happily, I have thought of something much better. You + have heard that, according to the word of Durgâ, the princess is to be allowed + free choice of a husband. You are greatly in love with her, and she is favourably + disposed towards you, from your appearance. My mother, of whom she is very fond, will + do everything in her power to promote your interests; and no doubt she will choose + you. The king and queen will of course give their consent; and the marriage once + completed, there will be no further danger, since Bhimadhanwa will be subject to you, + and you will be able easily to protect me. Wait, therefore, a few days, and I and my + mother will do our best on your behalf. But I must not stay longer; my mistress will + be waiting for me."</p> + + <p>After she was gone, Kosadâsa and I got into conversation about that which so + greatly concerned us both; and so much interested were we, that we never thought of + going to bed, but sat up talking all the night. In the morning, I went to the park, + and stood for some time near the stage on which I had seen the princess; and in + imagination saw her there again, in some of those graceful attitudes which she had + displayed. While I was thus deep in thought, I was accosted by Bhimadhanwa, who + introduced himself to me, appeared very friendly, sat down with me, and, after some + conversation, invited me to his house.</p> + + <p>Having no suspicion of treachery, I accompanied him to the palace, where I was + most hospitably entertained. After dinner, not having slept the night before, I lay + down, and was soon fast asleep, and dreaming of my beloved princess. Presently, I was + suddenly awakened, and found my arms bound with an iron chain, and Bhimadhanwa, with + angry countenance, standing near me. "Vile wretch!" he said. "You fancied you could + plot in safety; and little thought that all which that girl said was overheard, and + brought to me by one of my spies, who heard it through the open window. My silly + sister, forsooth, is in love with you! You are to marry her, and make me your + subject; and you will order me to give up Chandrasena, that she may marry her lover! + You are much mistaken. I am not so easily managed as that. We shall soon see how all + your fine projects will end." Then calling two strong men, his servants, at his + command they lifted me up, carried me down to the sea, and threw me in as I was.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding the chain which confined my arms, I managed to keep afloat, till + by a lucky chance I fell in with a piece of wood, and by throwing myself across it, + managed to hold on, and was carried out to sea. After floating all night, in the + morning I was seen from a ship sailing that way, and taken on board.</p> + + <p>The captain, however, who was a foreigner, had not much compassion on me; and only + thought, as I was young and strong, how much he could get by selling me as a slave; + and did not even release my hands. I had not been long on board, however, when the + ship was attacked by pirates, who surrounded it with their boats, and poured in a + shower of arrows and other missiles.</p> + + <p>Seeing that the crew of the merchant-ship were being defeated, I called out to the + captain: "Take off my chain; set me free; and I will soon drive away the enemy."</p> + + <p>He did as I asked; and furnished me with a good bow and arrows, which I used so + effectually, that a large number of the enemy were killed or wounded; and the boats + began to draw off.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, our ship had drifted close to the pirates' galley. I leapt on board, + and most of the crew being disabled, took prisoner the captain, who turned out to be + Bhimadhanwa, the very man who had so treacherously ill-used me. He was utterly + astonished at seeing, me; and hung down his head ashamed, unable to answer a word, + when I said to him: "Where are all your threats and boastings? You are now as + completely in my power as I was in yours."</p> + + <p>Then the sailors, shouting for joy at the victory, bound him with the chain with + which I had been confined; and after taking possession of the pirate ship, we + continued the voyage; but being driven out of our course by a contrary wind, landed + on an uninhabited island, to get water and wild fruits, and attend to the + wounded.</p> + + <p>The merchant-captain and crew, delighted at my bravery, and the timely assistance + I had rendered them, treated me with the greatest respect. While they were engaged, I + walked about to explore the island; and came to a large quantity of stones which had + fallen from a high rock. These I crossed over, and going round to the other side, + found a gentle slope, covered with trees and flowers. Walking slowly among them, + admiring the beautiful scenery and enjoying the cool shade, I arrived, almost + imperceptibly and without fatigue, at the summit, where I found a small lake, + surrounded with ruby-coloured, variegated rocks, and partly covered with bright + lotuses. In this I bathed, and pulled up some of the lotus-plants, the young shoots + of which were unusually sweet and good.</p> + + <p>As I came out of the water, carrying a large root on my shoulder, I saw standing + on the bank a terrible Rakshas in human form, who called out, in an angry tone "Who + are you? Where do you come from? What are you doing here, destroying my flowers?"</p> + + <p>Without showing any sign of fear, I walked boldly up to him, and said: "I am a + brahman, who has just escaped many dangers. I was treacherously thrown into the sea, + rescued by a merchant-ship, then attacked by pirates; and now, after conquering them, + we have put into this island for water. I have much enjoyed my bathe, and wish you + good morning."</p> + + <p>"Stop!" said he. "You will not get off so easily. You seem a bold fellow, however, + and I will give you a chance for life. I shall ask you four questions. If you can + answer them, you are free; if not, I shall devour you immediately."</p> + + <p>"Very good," I answered; "I am ready to hear them." Then he began:</p> + + <p>"What is cruel?"</p> + + <p>"A wicked woman's heart."</p> + + <p>"What is most to the advantage of a householder?"</p> + + <p>"Good qualities in a wife."</p> + + <p>"What is love?"</p> + + <p>"Imagination."</p> + + <p>"What best accomplishes difficult things?"</p> + + <p>"Cunning. Dhumini, Gomini, Ratnavati, and Nitambavati," I added, "are examples of + what I have said."</p> + + <p>"Tell me," said he, "who they were, and how they prove the truth of your + answers?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly," I replied; "you shall judge for yourself.</p> + + <p>"There were formerly in the country of Trigarta three brothers, all wealthy, + having several wives, many servants and slaves, and numerous flocks and herds. In + their time it happened that there was a great drought; no rain fell for several + years; the streams and fountains ceased to flow; the pools and lakes were turned to + mud, the beds of rivers almost dry, plants burned up, trees withered; all mirth and + festivity were at an end; bands of thieves roamed about; the dead lay unburied or + unburnt, and their bodies were scattered over the fields. At last the famine was so + great that men began to devour each other. The three brothers, from their great + wealth, were able to hold out a long time; but when their stores of corn and rice + were all consumed, and their cattle all slaughtered, they, like the rest, were driven + to cannibalism. First they killed and ate their slaves; then, even their wives and + children, till all were gone but themselves and their three favourite wives. The + famine still continuing, they were driven to eat them also, and drew lots which + should be killed first. The lot fell on Dhumini, the wife of the youngest brother, + who, unable to bear the thought of devouring her, escaped with her in the night. + After walking a long way, till they were quite exhausted, they came to a large + forest, where they found a well of water, and many fruits and roots, besides deer and + other animals, on which they were able to live without difficulty; and they built a + hut there.</p> + + <p>"One day when the husband of Dhumini was going about in search of game, he found a + man who had been cruelly treated by robbers; they had cut off his hands, feet, and + nose, and left him to perish. Having compassion on the poor wretch, he bound up his + wounds as well as he was able, and carried him with much difficulty to his hut. There + he and his wife nursed him till his wounds were healed, and took care of him + afterwards.</p> + + <p>"Now such is the depravity of women, that Dhumini fell in love with this poor + mutilated wretch, and determined to have him whether he would or no.</p> + + <p>"One day her husband came home from hunting, tired and thirsty, and asked her for + water. She answered: 'I have a very bad headache, you must go and draw for yourself.' + Then walking softly behind him as he went, she waited till he stooped down over the + well, and pushed him in.</p> + + <p>"Having thus, as she thought, got rid of her husband, she took the maimed man on + her back and carried him till she reached an inhabited country, where there was no + famine, telling those who asked her, that this man was her husband, and had been + mutilated in that manner by a spiteful enemy.</p> + + <p>"She thus became the object of much compassion, and praise, for devotion to her + husband, and the king of the country bestowed on her a small pension on which she + lived in the city of Avanti. Meanwhile her real husband had managed to climb up from + the well, and wandered about a long time, not knowing where his wife was gone. At + last he came to Avanti in great distress, and was begging for food when she chanced + to see him. Going at once to the king, she said, 'That wicked wretch who mutilated my + husband is now here; I have seen him going about as a beggar.'</p> + + <p>"Upon this he was immediately seized, and, notwithstanding his protestations of + innocence, condemned to death, and led away to execution.</p> + + <p>"On the way, with but faint hopes of saving his life, he said to the executioner, + 'I have been condemned on the evidence of one witness only; let that man whom I am + accused of injuring be questioned; if he says I am guilty, then indeed I deserve to + die.'</p> + + <p>"The executioner saying, 'Perhaps he may be innocent—a few minutes' delay + can do no harm,' took him at once to the house of his wife, and there the poor + mutilated wretch, with many tears, declared the kindness with which he had been + treated by the supposed criminal, and the wickedness of the woman who had forced him + to live with her as her husband.</p> + + <p>"Thereupon the execution was stayed, and the king, having been made acquainted + with the whole affair, ordered her to be cut in pieces and given to the dogs, and + showed much favour and kindness to her husband.</p> + + <p>"I say, therefore, there is nothing so cruel as the heart of a wicked woman."</p> + + <p>The Rakshas appeared to be satisfied with this story, and said: "Go on, tell me + about Gomini." I continued therefore:</p> + + <p>"There was formerly in the country of the Dravidas a young brahman of great + wealth. Somehow he was not married when a mere boy, as is often the case, and when he + grew up he thought to himself: 'Those who have no wives and those who have bad wives + are equally unfortunate, I will not let my friends choose for me, but travel about + and look out for myself till I find a girl who may suit me.'</p> + + <p>"Having formed this resolution, and changed his name, he set out alone, taking very + little with him, but a small bag containing two or three pounds of rice in the + husk.</p> + + <p>"Whenever he saw a maiden of his own caste whose appearance he liked, either in + the houses where he was admitted or elsewhere, he would say to her: 'My dear, could + you make me a good dinner with this rice?' This he did many times, but though parents + in general would have been willing to give him their daughters, he was always laughed + at, and often treated with contempt. One day, while sitting in a public place in a + town which he had lately entered, he observed a young girl whose parents had fallen + into poverty, which was shown by her scanty dress and slender ornaments. She passed + by him accompanied by an old woman, and stood for a time very near him.</p> + + <p>"The more he looked at her the more he was pleased, and thought to himself: 'This + is just the wife to suit me; she is neither too tall nor too short, too stout or too + thin; her limbs are rounded and well knit; her back is straight, with a slight + hollow; her shoulders are low; her arms plump and soft; the lines of her hands + indicate good fortune; her fingers are long and slender; her nails are like polished + gems; her neck is smooth and rounded as a slender shell; her bosom full and well + shaped; her face has a sweet expression; her lips are full and red; her chin small + and compact; her cheeks plump; her eyebrows glossy black, gracefully curved, meeting + in the middle; her eyes are long and languishing, very black and very white; her + forehead, adorned by beautiful curls, resembles a piece of the moon; her ears are + delicately formed, and well set off by the ear-rings; her hair is glossy black, brown + at the ends—long, thick, and not too much curled. My heart seems to be drawn + towards her; if she is what she seems to be, I will certainly marry her; but I must + not act rashly; I will first try her with my test. Then approaching her with a polite + salutation, he said: 'My dear, are you clever enough to make a good dinner out of + this bag of rice;' Without answering a word, she looked significantly at her old + nurse, and taking the rice from his hand, signed him to sit down on a terrace close + by; and sat down herself near him. Then, first spreading out the rice in the, sun + that it might be quite dry, she rubbed it gently between her hands, so as to get off + the husk unbroken, and giving it to the nurse, she said: 'Take this to some + goldsmith; they use it when prepared in this way for polishing their gold, and you + will get a few pence for it—with them buy a little firewood, a few cheap + dishes, and an earthen pipkin, and bring also a wooden mortar with a long pestle.' On + this errand the old woman departed, and soon returned, bringing the things + required.</p> + + <p>"Then the girl put the rice into the mortar, and very gracefully moving the pestle + up and down, separated the rice thoroughly from the remaining particles of husk and + awns; which she carefully winnowed away.</p> + + <p>"After this she washed the rice thoroughly, and the old woman having meanwhile + lighted a fire and placed the pipkin full of water on it, she threw the rice into the + water as soon as it boiled, in such a manner that the grains lay loose and separate. + When they began to swell and burst, she took the pot from the fire, which she raked + together, and set it with the lid downwards near the embers, first carefully draining + off the rice liquor, and stirring the grains several times with a spoon to prevent + their sticking together.</p> + + <p>"After this she put out the fire by throwing water on it, and taking the charcoal, + sent the old woman to sell it, and with the money to procure some herbs, ghee, curds, + tamarind fruit, spices, salt, myrobalan, and sesamum oil. When these things were + brought, she mixed the myrobalan, finely pounded, with salt, and desired the nurse to + give it with the sesamum oil to the young brahman, and tell him to go and bathe and + anoint himself; and he having received these things, went to bathe.</p> + + <p>"When he was returned and comfortably seated, she gave him to drink rice liquor, + mixed with spices and cooled by fanning, and he was much refreshed by it; afterwards, + soup made with some of the liquor, a few spoonfuls of rice, butter, and spices; and, + lastly, the rest of the rice mixed with curds, buttermilk, and several condiments, + and he had plenty, though some was left.</p> + + <p>"When he had finished, he asked for drink. She gave him water in a new cooler, + sweetened and perfumed with lotus and other flowers; and it looked and felt so cool, + gurgled so pleasantly, and tasted so sweet, that all his senses were gratified, and + he drank eagerly again and again.</p> + + <p>"After waiting on him in this manner, as soon as the dishes and the remains of the + meal had been removed by the old nurse, she sat down beside him, arranging her scanty + patched dress as well as she was able.</p> + + <p>"The young brahman having thus satisfied himself of the capabilities of the + maiden, made known his real name and position to her parents, and they having gladly + accepted him, he married the girl in due form, and took her home to his own + house.</p> + + <p>"Not very long afterwards, with very little consideration for her, he took to + himself another wife, a woman of bad character; yet such was the sweetness of temper + of the first, that she showed no anger at this, but continued to treat her husband + with all due honour and respect, and so gained over her fellow-wife that she became + her dearest friend. At the same time she managed the household admirably, keeping + everything in order, yet making all the servants attached to her. In short, she acted + in such a manner that she entirely gained the respect and affection of her husband, + and he enjoyed great happiness, and trusted and consulted her in all affairs.</p> + + <p>"Therefore I say that the best thing for a householder is to have a good + wife."</p> + + <p>Then, in illustration of the third answer, I related the story of Ratnavati. + "There was, in a town in the country of Surat, a rich ship-captain who had a daughter + named Ratnavati. She was married to Balabhadra, the son of a merchant living in + another town. For some reason he took a sudden dislike to his bride on the very day + of the wedding, and though she continued to live in his house, avoided her as much as + possible, and would never speak to her, notwithstanding the remonstrances of his + friends. The rest of the family and the servants, seeing this, treated her with + neglect and contempt, so that she led a most wretched life.</p> + + <p>"One day, wandering about disconsolate, she met with an old woman, a buddhist + mendicant, who, seeing her weeping and looking miserable, asked her the reason. She, + thinking that this woman might possibly be possessed of some charm capable of + bringing back her husband's affections, half unwillingly told her the cause of her + grief.</p> + + <p>"'On the very day of our marriage my husband, from some cause or other, took a + sudden dislike to me, and since then he has treated me with neglect and contempt, so + that I hardly ever see his face, and then only by chance for a moment, for he avoids + me as much as possible; his family also, following his example, behave to me with + great unkindness. I have no comfort or happiness, and only wish for death. But you + must not tell this to any one; I would not on any account have my misfortune talked + about.'</p> + + <p>"The old woman answered: 'Surely this must be a punishment for some great sin + committed in a former existence, or such a charming person as yourself would never be + thus treated by your husband. I recommend. you to practise penance and prayer; + perhaps the gods may be appeased, and a favourable change produced. Meanwhile, if + there is any way in which I can help you, I will gladly do so. You seem very + intelligent; cannot you think of some stratagem which may have the desired + effect?'</p> + + <p>"After reflecting for some time, she said Though my husband so neglects me, I know + that he is very fond of women in general, and ready to be captivated by any one, + especially respectable woman who will give him a little encouragement. Acting on this + propensity, I think, with your help, that something may be done. There is a young + lady, a neighbour, the daughter of a very rich man, in great favour with the Rajah; + she is a friend of mine, and is very like me. As my husband hardly knows her by + sight, and scarcely ever sees me, it might be possible to pass myself off for her. Do + you, therefore, go to him and say that that young lady is in love with him, and that + you will introduce him to her, only he must not give a hint that you have told him + anything. Meanwhile I will arrange with my friend, and will be walking in her + father's garden some evening, when you can bring him in.' The old woman was delighted + with this contrivance, and promised to perform her part. She went, therefore, soon + afterwards with a pretended message of love from the merchant's daughter to + Balabhadra, who was delighted at having attracted the attention of such a charming + young lady, and took care to be at the appointed time in the garden, where he saw his + neglected wife playing at ball. As if by accident, she threw the ball towards him, + and the old woman said: This is an invitation; pick up the ball, and take it to her + with a pretty speech, and you will get acquainted with her.' In this way an intimacy + began, and he often met his wife in the same place in the evening without in the + least suspecting the deception. At last she gave him a hint that she was ready to run + away with him. Madly in love, he eagerly caught at the proposal, and one night, + having collected what money he could carry, he eloped with her, saying nothing to any + of his friends. They were much astonished by his sudden disappearance; but when they + found that Ratnavati was gone also, they readily believed the story told by the old + woman, that he had fallen in love with his own wife; but was ashamed to acknowledge + this after having so long neglected her, and was therefore gone to live in another + place, where he was not known. Believing this story, her relations and his thought it + best to take no steps in the matter, and abstained from making inquiry after him.</p> + + <p>"Meanwhile Balabhadra went to a town at some distance, and there by his skill and + energy, though beginning with a small capital, amassed in a few years a considerable + fortune, and was much respected in the place.</p> + + <p>"When Ratnavati eloped under another name, she engaged a woman to accompany her as + a servant; and this woman one day having committed some fault, was beaten by her + master, who scolded her and told her she was lazy, thievish, and impudent. Smarting + under the punishment, she determined to be revenged, and going to the magistrate told + him: 'This man, who seems to you so respectable, is a wicked wretch who has abandoned + his own wife, and run away in the night with the daughter of one of his neighbours, + with whom he is now living.'</p> + + <p>"The magistrate having heard this, and being very covetous, thought: 'If this man + is convicted, his property will be confiscated, and I shall get a share of it.' He + therefore began to take proceedings against Balabhadra, who was greatly alarmed. But + his wife said to him, 'Do not be frightened; put a good face on the matter, and say: + "This is not Kanakavati, the daughter of Niddhipatidatta; this is my own lawful wife, + the daughter of Grihagupta, who lives at Valabhi. She was married to me with the + proper ceremony and with the full consent of her parents. This woman's accusation is + altogether false; but if you will not believe my assertion, send to Valabhi, to my + wife's father, and hear what he will say—or send to the town where I formerly + lived, and make inquiries there."'</p> + + <p>"This was done, he was admitted to bail, and a letter was written to the father of + Ratnavati, who answered it in person, and declared that the lady in question was + really his daughter. Thus the matter was settled; but the husband, thinking that the + old man was deceived by the likeness, held to his former belief, and continued to + live happily with his wife, without ever discovering the delusion. Therefore I say + that love is only imagination."</p> + + <p>The Rakshas, though appearing to be satisfied with these stories, required me to + relate that of Nitambavati, which I proceeded to do.</p> + + <p>"In a city called Madhura, there dwelt a man named Kalahakantaka, of great + strength and vigour, ready at any time to take up the quarrel of a friend, famed for + deeds of violence, and devoted to pleasures and amusements.</p> + + <p>"One day he saw a picture exhibited by a painter, a new-comer, and stopped to look + at it. It was the portrait of a lady so beautiful that he fell in love with her at + once. Desirous of finding out whom it represented, he praised the picture + exceedingly, and having put the artist in good humour, got him to say who the lady + was. 'Her name,' said he, 'is Nitambavati; she is the wife of a merchant living at + Avanti or Oujein, and I was so struck by her beauty that I sought and obtained + permission to paint her portrait.'</p> + + <p>"On hearing this, Kalahakantaka, taking another name, went to Oujein; and there, + having disguised himself as a mendicant, got admission to the merchant's house, saw + the lady, whose beauty exceeded even his expectation, and was confirmed in his wicked + purpose.</p> + + <p>"At this time a guardian or watchman was wanted for the public cemetery, and he + applied for and obtained the office.</p> + + <p>"With the clothes which he took from the bodies brought to be burnt there, he + bribed an old woman to take a message from him. She went to Nitambavati, and said: 'A + very handsome young man is much in love with you—pray let him see you if only + for once.' On receiving this message, the merchant's wife was very indignant, and + sent the old woman away with angry words. Kalahakantaka, however, was not + discouraged, and said to his messenger: 'Go again, and say to the lady: "Do you + imagine that a person like me devoted to religious meditation, who have passed so + many years in pilgrimages to holy places, would wish to lead you into sin? Far from + it. I had heard that you were childless, and wishing for children, and I know of + means through which your wish may be accomplished; but I thought it right to find out + first whether you were worthy of such a service, and now that I have ascertained you + to be virtuous and true to your husband, I will gladly assist you."'</p> + + <p>"With this story the old cheat went again to the lady, who, believing her to be + sincere, gladly accepted the offer, and she went on to say: 'The reason of your being + childless is that a spell has been laid upon your husband, which can only be removed + by the means which I will indicate to you. You must go at night to a clump of trees + in the park. I will come to you there, and will bring with me a man skilled in + incantations. You have only to stand for a moment, putting your foot into his hand + while he utters certain charms, then go home, and, as if in play, strike your husband + on the breast. This will dissolve the spell, and by-and-by you will have children.' + Anxious to have the spell removed from her husband, Nitambavati consented to this, + and went at night to the appointed place. There she found Kalahakantaka waiting, and + as the old woman had directed, put her foot into his hand while he knelt before + her.</p> + + <p>"No sooner had he got hold of it than he took off her anklet, and slipping his + hand up her leg, inflicted a slight wound above the knee, and ran away.</p> + + <p>"The poor lady, dreadfully frightened, blaming herself, and enraged with the old + woman, who had so cruelly deceived her, got home as well as she could, washed and + bound up the cut, and kept her bed for several days, having taken off the other + anklet, that the loss might not be observed.</p> + + <p>"Meanwhile the rascal took the anklet he had stolen to the husband, saying: 'I + wish to dispose of this, will you buy it?'</p> + + <p>"Recognising the ornament as having been his wife's, he asked: 'Where did you get + this?'</p> + + <p>"The man answered: 'I will not tell you now, but if you are not satisfied that it + is honestly mine, take me before the magistrates, and I will then declare how I came + by it.'</p> + + <p>"Upon this the merchant went to his wife and said: 'Let me see your anklets.'</p> + + <p>"With some confusion and alarm, she answered: 'I have only one of them, the other + being, as I suppose, loosely fastened, dropped off a few days ago when I was walking + in the evening in the garden, and I have not been able to find it.'</p> + + <p>"Dissatisfied with this answer, the husband went before the magistrates with the + man who had offered the anklet for sale, and he being there questioned, said: 'You + know I was appointed not long ago to the care of the public cemetery, and as people + come sometimes after dark to steal the clothes, or to lay a dead body on a pile + prepared for another, and so cheat me of my fees, I have lately kept watch there at + night.'</p> + + <p>"'A short time ago I saw a woman in a dark dress dragging away part of a + half-burnt body, and ran to seize her. In the struggle her anklet came off, and I + gave her a slight wound on the leg, but she got away, and I could not overtake her; + this is how the ornament came into my possession. I leave it to you to say whether I + have done wrong or no.'</p> + + <p>"Then the magistrates and citizens who were assembled were unanimously of opinion + that the woman was a Sâkini.<a id="FNanchor10" name="FNanchor10"></a><a + href="#Footnote_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a></p> + <br /> + + + <p>"She was therefore divorced from her husband, and condemned to be tied to a stake + in the cemetery, and left there.</p> + + <p>"In this state she was found by Kalahakantaka, who cut the cords which fastened + her, and, falling at her feet, confessed all that he had done, alleging his great + love for her as an excuse for his cruel conduct: 'And now,' said he, 'consent to be + my wife, and I will carry you away to my own home in a distant country, where you + will not be known. I will do everything in my power to make your life happy, and + atone for the suffering which I have caused you.'</p> + + <p>"For a long time the unhappy lady refused; but at last, overcome by his earnest + entreaties, and feeling how unjustly she had been disgraced and ill-treated, she + consented to accompany him. Thus, by cunning, he gained his end, which he could not + have accomplished by any other means. Therefore I say cunning best accomplishes + difficult things."</p> + + <p>Having heard these stories, the Rakshas was much pleased, and offered me his + assistance if I should require it. At that moment several pearls fell close beside + us. Looking up to see whence they came, I perceived a Rakshas flying through the air, + carrying a woman who was struggling with him.</p> + + <p>"Shall that monster carry off the lady before our eyes? O that I could fly to + rescue her!"</p> + + <p>As I exclaimed thus, my new ally, without waiting to be entreated, sprang into the + air, and calling out "Stop! stop! wicked wretch!" attacked and dragged down the other + Rakshas. He, in defending himself, when only a short distance from the ground, let + the lady fall, and I caught her with outstretched arms in such a manner that, though + much shaken and alarmed, she was not seriously injured. I held her for a moment + insensible in my arms, while I gazed at the combatants. Their flight was of short + duration, for they attacked each other so furiously that both were killed.</p> + + <p>Then laying my burden on the soft grass in a shady place, and sprinkling her with + water, I soon had the happiness of seeing her open her eyes, and of recognising the + beloved of my heart, the Princess Kandukavati, who was equally delighted on finding + who was her deliverer.</p> + + <p>When sufficiently recovered, she said to me: "On returning home after the ball + dance, longing to see you, and sad with the thought that we might never meet again, I + was filled with great happiness by the report which Chandrasena brought me of your + love; but when I heard that you had been bound and thrown into the sea by my wicked + brother, I fell into the deepest despair, and wished for death. Wandering in this + state of mind about the gardens, I was espied by that vile Rakshas, who, having + assumed a human form, first made love to me, and then, when rejected, forcibly + carried me off. He is, happily, now dead, and all that I have suffered is as nothing + now that I am with you; let us return as soon as possible to my parents, who will + have been greatly distressed at my disappearance."</p> + + <p>Without delay I carried her down to the shore, embarked, set sail at once, and the + wind being favourable, we soon reached Damalipta. Here we found great confusion and + grief among the people, and were told on inquiring: "The king and queen, utterly + broken down by the loss of their son and daughter, have determined to abandon life, + and have just set out for a holy place on the bank of the Ganges, with the intention + of fasting to death there; and several of the old citizens have accompanied them with + the same purpose."</p> + + <p>On hearing this I immediately went after them, and having soon overtaken them, was + able to give them great happiness, by telling them of all that had occurred, and how + both their son and daughter were safely returned; and they went back with me to the + city, to the great joy of the people. The king treated me with great honour, and not + long afterwards the princess became my wife. Her brother was reconciled to me, and at + my request, though very reluctantly, gave up all further attention to Chandrasena, + who was happily united with her lover.</p> + + <p>When King Sinhavarma was attacked as you know, I marched with an army to his + assistance; and have thus the great pleasure of meeting with you.</p> + + <p>The prince having heard this story said "Your adventures have indeed been strange, + and your escape from death wonderful. Great is the power of fate, but excellent also + is courage and presence of mind such as you have shown." Then turning to Mantragupta, + he desired him to relate his adventures, which he immediately began to do:—</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_MANTRAGUPTA" name="ADVENTURES_OF_MANTRAGUPTA"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF MANTRAGUPTA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>My Lord, I also, in my anxiety to find you, wandered about like the others.</p> + + <p>Late one evening I came to a wood, a few miles from the city of Kalinga, and very + near a public cemetery. Seeing no dwelling near, I made myself a bed of leaves, and + lay down under a large tree, where I was soon asleep. About midnight, when evil + spirits are wont to roam, and everything was quiet around me, I awoke, and fancied I + heard a whispering conversation going on among the branches of the tree immediately + above me. Listening very attentively, I was able to distinguish these words: "We are + powerless to resist that vile Siddha whenever he chooses to command us; could not + some person be found powerful enough to counteract the designs of that vile + magician?"</p> + + <p>After this the voices ceased, and I thought I could hear a rustling among the + branches as if the speakers were moving from tree to tree. This strange occurrence + greatly excited my curiosity. I said to myself: "Who are these creatures whose voices + I have heard? who can that magician be, and what dreadful thing is it which he is + about to do?" With these thoughts, I determined if possible to discover the mystery, + and followed, as well as I was able, the direction which the demons, or whatever they + were whom I had heard conversing, had taken. Guided by the rustling sound which I + still heard above me, I made my way through the darkness, till at last I thought I + saw a light in the distance, and going a little further, I perceived a fire shining + through the thick foliage. Approaching very cautiously, I saw a Siddha standing near + it, his head covered with a large mass of tangled hair, his body begrimed with the + dust of charcoal, and a girdle of human bones round his waist. He was throwing at + intervals handfuls of sesamum and mustard-seed into the fire, causing flickering + flames to rise up and dispel the surrounding darkness. Before him, in humble + attitude, stood two Rakshas, male and female, whom I supposed to be those whose + voices I had heard in the tree. They said to him, "We await your commands. What are + we now to do?"</p> + + <p>"Go," he answered in a stern voice, "immediately to the palace of the King of + Kalinga, and bring here his daughter Kanakalekha." This they did in an incredibly + short time. As soon as she was brought he seized her by the hair, and disregarding + her tears and entreaties and screams for help, was about to cut off her head with a + sword.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile I had cautiously crept nearer, and perceiving the danger of the + princess, I made a sudden rush at him, snatched the sword from his hand and cut off + his head.</p> + + <p>Seeing this, the two Rakshas approached me, and showing great delight at the death + of their cruel master, said to me: "That wicked man has for a long time had power + over us; we have continually been compelled to go on his vile errands, and have had + no rest night or day. You have done a truly good deed in killing him; your valour has + freed us from this slavery; he is gone to the kingdom of Yama, where he will receive + the reward of his evil deeds, and we are ready to serve you; say only what is to be + done."</p> + + <p>I thanked them for their grateful offer, and said: "I have only done what every + good man would have done under the circumstances; but if you are willing to serve me, + all that I require of you is to carry this lady again to her father's house, from + which she was so cruelly taken."</p> + + <p>The princess hearing this, stood for a moment irresolute, with her head bent down, + her eyes half closed, her eyebrows quivering, her bosom agitated by hurried breathing + and wetted by tears of joy, restlessly moving one foot, as if scratching the ground, + and betraying the struggle between bashfulness and love by alternate blushes and + paleness. Then, in a low sweet gentle voice, she uttered these words: "O gracious + sir, why do you, having just delivered me from a terrible death, now overwhelm me in + a sea of love whose waves are the agitations of anxiety driven by the wind of + passion? My life, saved by you, is entirely at your disposal. Take pity on me; regard + me as your own. Let me be your servant, your slave; I would endure anything rather + than separation from you. Come with me to my father's palace; you need not fear + discovery; all my friends and attendants are faithful and devoted to me; they will + carefully keep the secret."</p> + + <p>Pierced to the heart by the arrows of Kâma, tied and bound by her looks and + words as if with chains of iron, I had no power to refuse, and turning to the two + Rakshas, I said: "I have no choice here. Whatever this fair lady commands must be + done. Take us both, therefore, to the place from which you brought her."</p> + + <p>Bowing down in submission, they lifted us from the ground, carried us through the + air, and placed us while it was yet night in the apartments of the princess. There + she introduced me to her attendants, assigned me a room in the upper story where I + might most easily escape detection, and appointed them to keep watch so that no one + might enter her apartments without notice. I had thus abundant opportunities of being + with the princess; but though my love daily increased, I made no further advances to + her.</p> + + <p>One day some of her women came with tears in their eyes, and bowing down to my + feet, said, with whispering timid voice, "O gracious sir, our lady is doubly yours, + since she was gained by your own valour when you rescued her from death, and is + assigned to you by the all-powerful God of Love. Do not let her languish in vain. + Make her your wife without delay." With this request I could not refuse to comply, + and taking the hand of the princess, I declared our solemn union.</p> + + <p>For a time we enjoyed the greatest happiness. It was destined, however, to be of + no long duration; our separation was at hand, for now was the time of spring, when + the trees were covered with blossoms bent down by the eager bees, and the song of + birds was resounding among their branches waved by the soft south wind, bearing + perfume from the sandal groves of Malaya; at which season the king was accustomed to + go with all his court to the sea-shore, and there, in tents under the shade of lofty + trees, to enjoy the cool sea breezes.</p> + + <p>My bride of course went with the rest; and as there was no possibility of + concealing me in such a place, I was obliged, though reluctantly, to let her depart + alone, consoling myself by looking forward to her return.</p> + + <p>The royal party had not long been gone, when news was brought to the city that the + king and all his court, thinking only of enjoyment, and unsuspicious of danger, had + been captured by Jayasinha, King of Andhra, who, sailing with a large fleet, had + suddenly landed and taken them by surprise.</p> + + <p>This news caused me the greatest consternation. "Jayasinha," I thought, "will + certainly be captivated by the beauty of the princess; she will take poison rather + than submit to his embraces; and I could not long survive her, for how could I live + without her?"</p> + + <p>While perplexed with this thought, and not knowing what to do, I heard of a + brahman just arrived from Andhra, who was full of a strange event which had lately + happened there.</p> + + <p>"The King of Andhra," he said, "has long been a bitter enemy of the King of + Kalinga, and having taken him prisoner, was about to kill him, but he has fallen in + love with the princess Kanakalekha, and wishing to marry her, not only spares her + father's life, but treats him with kindness for her sake.</p> + + <p>"An unexpected obstacle to the accomplishment of his wishes has, however, arisen; + the lady has suddenly become possessed by an evil spirit, whose rage is greatest + whenever the king visits her.</p> + + <p>"Anxious for her recovery, he has offered a large reward to any one who shall + succeed in driving out the demon, but as yet no one has been able to effect her + cure."</p> + + <p>This information filled me with hope, for I was well aware of the nature of the + princess's disease, and knew that no one but myself could cure it. I was able, + therefore, to form a plan for her deliverance, and quickly decided on the disguise to + be adopted. At the time when I killed the magician, I had taken off his scalp, with + all the mass of tangled hair, and had hid it in a hollow tree. I now went to the + place, and taking out this scalp, fitted it on my own head; then rubbing over my + whole body with dirt and charcoal dust, and dressing myself in old rags, I was + completely disguised as an ascetic—and when I went into the neighbouring + villages I was regarded as a very holy devotee, and had many applications from + persons wishing for advice or seeking to be cured of diseases. This belief I + encouraged to the utmost, and took care to keep up my credit by means of various + tricks and contrivances.</p> + + <p>In this manner I was soon able to collect a number of disciples, glad to live in + idleness on the offerings continually brought to me, fully believing in my sanctity, + entirely devoted to me, and ready to obey all my commands.</p> + + <p>Having got together this troop of followers, I went to the side of a tank or small + lake not far from the city of Andhra, built myself a hut, and made known that I + intended to stay there for a time.</p> + + <p>The news of my arrival was soon spread abroad by my disciples, who were loud in + their praises of my miraculous powers, and the wonderful cures which I had effected; + and great numbers of people came from the city to see me, either from curiosity or + from the hope of receiving some benefit.</p> + + <p>In a very short time wonderful stories about me were brought to the Râja. + "There is now a very holy devotee sleeping on the ground near the lake; he is + possessed of the most marvellous knowledge. There is no question which he cannot + answer, no difficulty which he cannot solve. His power of healing is beyond belief; a + few grains of dust fallen from his feet, when sprinkled on the head of the sick, are + more efficacious than any medicine; and water in which his feet have been washed has + cured in a moment diseases, and driven out evil spirits which have resisted for a + long time all the efforts of physicians and exorcists. Yet with all this he is + exceedingly kind and condescending, and free from pride."</p> + + <p>The king, hearing all this, thought: "This is just the person I am in need of; no + doubt he will be able to cure the princess." He therefore determined to apply to me; + but so great was his respect for my dignity and supernatural powers, that he did not + venture to send for me, but came several times to see me, distributing each time + money among my followers, before mentioning his request that I would drive out the + evil spirit from the princess.</p> + + <p>After hearing his statement, I looked very grave, and appeared for some time to be + wrapped in profound meditation. At last I said: "Sir, you have done very right to + apply to me; I will undertake that the lady shall be cured, but it would be useless + for me to see her at present. The case is a very peculiar one, and the cure requires + much thought and consideration; wait therefore for three days, then come again, and I + will tell you what is to be done." On receiving this answer, the king went away very + well satisfied.</p> + + <p>That night, as soon as it was dark, telling my followers on no account to disturb + me, I went, as if for private meditation, to one side of the tank, at some distance + from the steps, and there dug a large hole in the bank sloping upwards, with the + opening partly under water and concealed by loose stones above; taking care to throw + the excavated earth into the tank.</p> + + <p>On the third day, at dawn, I rearranged my dress as before, and having worshipped + the all-seeing sun as he rose, returned to my followers.</p> + + <p>I had not long been settled in my usual place when the king made his appearance, + and bowing down to my feet, he awaited my pleasure.</p> + + <p>Having kept him a short time in suspense, I thus addressed him: "Success does not + come to the careless, but all advantages are attainable by the energetic; being + devoted to your service, I have given my whole mind to the consideration of this + difficult affair, and can now point out a certain way to success.</p> + + <p>"The evil spirit by whom the princess is possessed cannot bear the sight of you in + your present form, and therefore breaks out into fury when you appear. If your body + can be changed, he will no longer be offended, and will immediately depart; there is + no other way by which he can be driven out. I have therefore so prepared this lake + that if you bathe in it in accordance with my directions, you will acquire a new and + beautiful body acceptable to the lady, and she will no more be troubled with the evil + spirit.</p> + + <p>"You must therefore come here at midnight, and having stripped entirely, swim out + into the middle of the tank, and there float on your back as long as possible. + Presently a rushing noise will be heard, and the water will be troubled, and dash + against the bank. As soon as the commotion has subsided, come forth; you will find + that your body has become younger, stronger, and improved in every respect; and when + you return to the palace there will be no further difficulty or obstacle on the part + of the princess, who will immediately undergo a change in her feelings, and will long + for your society as much as she now abhors it. All this is quite certain; you need + not have the smallest doubt; but if you think proper, before deciding, consult your + ministers, and be guided by their advice. If they consent, first worship the gods and + propitiate them with offerings, make large donations to the brahmans and the poor, + and come here to-night at the appointed time. That there may be no danger from + alligators or concealed enemies, let the tank be thoroughly dragged with nets by a + hundred fishermen, and place a line of soldiers all round it with torches in their + hands a few steps from the water; with these precautions no possible harm can happen + to you."</p> + + <p>The enamoured king, very anxious for the expulsion of the supposed demon, and + fully believing that I had the power to perform what I had promised, went away well + pleased, and immediately consulted his ministers. They seeing how eager he was, and + not anticipating any possibility of danger, readily approved of the proceeding.</p> + + <p>Having obtained their consent the king returned to me, and finding that I was + about to depart, earnestly entreated me to stay, saying that half the pleasure of + success would be taken away if I were not there to witness it; but I answered that + there were urgent reasons for my immediate departure, and that I had already remained + longer than I had intended to do, solely on his account. I assured him that I had so + prepared everything that my presence was now quite unnecessary, that I was about to + disappear from the world, and that he would see me no more. Finding me quite + determined, he took leave of me with many expressions of respect, and went back to + his palace to give orders for the performance of all that I had directed.</p> + + <p>Accordingly, a large number of fishermen with nets were engaged, by whom the lake + was thoroughly dragged, and large donations were made to the brahmans and the poor. + Towards evening, soldiers with torches were placed, all round the tank, and at + midnight the king, attended by a numerous retinue, and followed by a great crowd + anxious to witness the expected miracle, came to the steps leading down to the water, + and having undressed there in a tent which had been pitched for that purpose, plunged + in and swam out to the middle.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile I had said to my followers: "I have no further need of you; I am about + to retire to a lonely place to practise meditation; you may now leave me; go, and my + blessing be upon you." Well satisfied with the gifts they had received, they + departed; and when they were gone I slipped unobserved into the lake, and entered the + hole which I had prepared. There I remained till I heard the noise of the crowd who + came with the king, and perceived him floating on the surface. Diving cautiously + under him, I pulled him down, strangled him, and dragged the body into the hole; then + swimming to the steps, I boldly came forth, to the astonishment of the attendants, + who, though they had expected a miracle, were scarcely prepared for such a great + change. No one, however, doubted that I was really their sovereign, and having + dressed and mounted an elephant, I entered the city, escorted by the soldiers and + followed by a great crowd of people, who had come forth from curiosity, and were loud + in their praises of the pious man who had wrought such a miracle.</p> + + <p>That night I was unable to sleep. In the morning I summoned all the ministers and + counsellors, and said: "Behold the power of piety and penance. That holy man has + performed a great miracle, and bestowed on me this new body, which you see, by means + of the tank which he has consecrated, and through the favour of the gods, whom he had + long propitiated; after such a manifestation, who shall doubt their power? Let the + faces of all unbelievers be bowed down by shame; let a great and solemn festival be + made with song and dance in honour of Brahma, Siva, Yama, and the other deities, the + rulers of the world, and distribute much money among the poor."</p> + + <p>This speech was received with great approbation, and all, congratulating me and + praising the gods, performed the duties imposed upon them.</p> + + <p>After this I went to the women's apartments, and there the first person whom I met + was a very devoted servant of the princess, who had been especially attentive to me. + She, not imagining what had occurred, would have let me pass without especial notice; + but I called her, and said: "Have you never seen me before?"</p> + + <p>Then indeed she opened her eyes wide with joy and astonishment, saying: "Can it be + possible? is not this a delusion? Tell me what it all means."</p> + + <p>I gave her a brief account of what had happened, and sent her to prepare my wife. + How glad she was to see me you may well imagine.</p> + + <p>So well did we manage, that the secret was kept, no suspicion even arose, and all + the people were rejoiced at the favourable change, not only in the person, but in the + temper and disposition of their sovereign.</p> + + <p>In due time I was publicly married to the princess, and reinstated her father in + his kingdom.</p> + + <p>I have now come here with an army to assist the King of Anga, and have thus + obtained the great happiness of seeing you again.</p> + + <p>The prince, having heard this story, said "Your cleverness has indeed been great, + and your personation of the Siddha wonderful. May you long continue to possess such + wisdom and prudence, combined with wit and cheerfulness." Then, looking at Visruta, + he said: "It is now your turn;" and he forthwith began:—</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="ADVENTURES_OF_VISRUTA" name="ADVENTURES_OF_VISRUTA"></a> + + <h2>ADVENTURES OF VISRUTA.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>My Lord, as I was wandering one day in the forest of Vindhya, I met with a very + handsome boy, standing by the side of a well, crying bitterly. When I asked what was + the matter, he said: "The old man who was with me, when trying to get water from this + well, fell in, and I am unable to help him. What will become of me?"</p> + + <p>Hearing this, I looked down the well, which was not very deep, and saw the old man + standing at the bottom, the water not being sufficient to cover him. By means of a + long and tough stem of a creeper, I pulled him up safely; then using it again as a + rope, with a cup made from the hollow stem of a bamboo, I drew water for the poor + child, who was half dead with thirst; and finding that he was suffering from hunger + also, I knocked down some nuts from the top of a high tree with a well-aimed blow of + a stone.</p> + + <p>The old man was very grateful for my timely assistance; and when we were all + comfortably seated in the shade, he gave me, at my request, a long account of the + circumstances which had brought him there, saying:—</p> + + <p>"There was formerly a King of Vidarba remarkable for wisdom and justice, learned + in the Scriptures, a protector of his subjects (by whom he was much beloved), a + terror to his enemies, wise in political science, upright and honest in all his + actions, kind to his dependents, grateful for even small services, and gracious to + all. Having lived the full age of man, he died, leaving a prosperous kingdom to his + son Anantavarma, a young man of great abilities, but caring more for the mechanical + arts, music, and poetry, than for his duties as a ruler.</p> + + <p>"One day, one of his father's old counsellors in private addressed him thus: + 'Sire, your majesty, with the advantage of royal birth, has almost every good quality + that can be desired; your intelligence is very great; your knowledge superior to that + of others; but all this, without instruction in political science and attention to + public affairs, is insufficient for a king; void of such knowledge, he is despised, + not only by foreigners, but by his own subjects, who, disregarding all laws, human + and divine, at last perish miserably, and drag down their sovereign in their fall. A + king who has not political wisdom, however good his eyesight may be, is regarded by + the wise as a blind man, unable to see things as they are. I entreat you, therefore, + to give up the pursuits to which you are so devoted, and to study the art of + government. Your power will then be strengthened, and you may long reign over a happy + and prosperous people.'</p> + + <p>"To this exhortation the young king appeared to listen attentively; and said: + 'Such is the teaching of the wise; it ought to be followed.'</p> + + <p>"After dismissing the old counsellor, the king went into the women's apartments, + and began to talk to them of the exhortation which he had just received. His + observations were attentively listened to by one of his constant attendants, who + determined, if possible, to turn the king's thoughts in another direction, and + prevent him from being influenced by the good advice which had been given. This man + had many accomplishments; he was skilled in dancing, music, and singing; quick at + repartee; a good story-teller; full of fun and jokes; but devoid of honour and + honesty; false, slanderous, a receiver of bribes, a bad man in every way; yet, from + his wit and humour, very acceptable to the king, whom he now thus addressed: + 'Wherever there is a person of exalted position, there are always clever rogues ready + to prey upon him, and, while degrading him, to accomplish their own base purposes. + Some, under the guise of religion, will tell him: "The happiness of this world is + shortlived and fleeting; eternal happiness can only be obtained by prayer and + penance;" and so they persuade him to shave his head, wear a dress of skins, gird + himself with a rope of sacred grass, and, renouncing all pleasures and luxuries, to + betake himself to fasting and penance, and give away his riches to the poor, meaning, + of course, themselves; some of these religious impostors will even persuade their + dupes to renounce children, wife—nay, even life itself.</p> + + <p>"'But suppose a man to have too much sense to be deluded in this way, they will + try a different plan; to one they will say: "We can make gold; only furnish us with + the means, and your riches shall be increased a thousandfold;" to another: "We can + show you how to destroy all your enemies without a weapon;" to another: "Follow our + advice, and, though you are nobody now, you shall soon become a great man."</p> + + <p>"'If their victim is a sovereign, they will say to him: "Four branches of study + are said to be proper for kings—the vedas, the purânas, metaphysics, and + political science;—but the first three are of very little advantage; they may + safely be neglected, and he should give up his mind to the last only. Are there not + the six thousand verses composed for the use of kings, and containing the whole + science? Learn these by heart, and you will be prepared for all emergencies." So then + he must set to work to learn all these crabbed rules. He must; according to them, + distrust every one, even wife or son. He must rise early, take a very scanty meal, + and immediately proceed to business.</p> + + <p>"'First he must go over accounts, and balance income and expenditure; and while + his rascally ministers pretend to have everything very exact, they have forty + thousand ways of cheating him, and take good care of themselves.</p> + + <p>"'Then he must sit in public, and be tired to death with receiving frivolous + complaints and petitions, and will not even have the satisfaction of doing justice; + for, whether a cause be just or not, his ministers will take care that the decision + shall be according to their own interests.</p> + + <p>"'Then he is allowed a short time for bathing, dressing, and dining; if, indeed, + the poor wretch can venture to dine, with the constant fear of poison in his + mind.</p> + + <p>"'After this he must remain a long time in council with his ministers, perplexed + with their conflicting arguments, and unable to understand even the half of them; + while they, pretending to act impartially, get everything settled as they had + previously agreed and by twisting and distorting the reports of spies and emissaries, + manage to serve themselves and their friends, and to get credit for putting down + disturbances which they themselves had excited.</p> + + <p>"'He is now allowed to take a little amusement, but the time for this is + restricted to an hour and a half.</p> + + <p>"'Then he must review his army; hear the reports of the commander of his forces; + give orders for peace or war; and act upon the accounts brought by spies and + emissaries.</p> + + <p>"'However weary he maybe with all this, he must sit down and read diligently, like + some poor student, for several hours. Then at last he may retire to rest; but before + he has had half enough sleep, he will be awaked in the early morning; and the priests + will come to him, and say: "There is an unfavourable conjunction of the planets; evil + omens have appeared; there is danger impending; the gods must be propitiated; let a + great sacrifice be made to-day. The brahmans are continually engaged in supplicating + the gods on your behalf; your prosperity is dependent on their prayers; they are + miserably poor, and have many children to support; let large donations be made." Thus + the greedy wretches, under the pretence of religion, are continually robbing the king + and enriching themselves.</p> + + <p>"'This is the sort of life which you will have to lead, if you give yourself up to + the guidance of those greybeards; and, after all, though you may have studied and + studied, pored over their musty volumes, and listened to their tedious lectures, you + are not sure of doing right.</p> + + <p>"'And who are these fellows who set themselves up for wise men? Do they always do + right? Are they not often themselves cheated by the unlearned? Common sense is far + better than all this learning; instinct and feeling will guide us in the right way; + even an infant without teaching finds out how to draw nourishment from the mother's + breast. Cast aside, then, the rules and restrictions with which these old fools would + bind you. Follow your natural inclinations, and enjoy life while you can. You possess + youth, beauty, and strength. You have a large army, ten thousand elephants, and three + hundred thousand horses; your treasury is full of gold and jewels, and would not be + emptied in a thousand years. What more would you have? Life is short, and those who + are always thinking of adding to their possessions, go on toiling to the last, and + never really enjoy them.</p> + + <p>"'But why should I waste your time with needless arguments? I see you are already + convinced. Commit, then, the cares of government to your ministers; spend your time + with your ladies, and congenial friends like me; enjoy drinking, music, and dancing, + and trouble yourself no more with affairs of state.'</p> + + <p>"Having thus spoken, he prostrated himself in very humble attitude at the feet of + his master, who remained for a time silent, as if undecided.</p> + + <p>"The women, who had been listening with delight to all that was said, seeing his + hesitation, assembled round him, and, with sweet words and caresses, easily persuaded + him to follow his own inclination and theirs.</p> + + <p>"From that time the young king, given up entirely to pleasures and amusements, + left the affairs of the kingdom to his ministers; and, while allowing them to manage + as they pleased, provided they did not trouble him, openly treated them with + insolence and neglect, and even took pleasure in hearing them ridiculed by the + worthless parasites who surrounded him, so that even the wisest of his ministers, + while lamenting the sad state of affairs, could only acknowledge their inability to + remedy it, and wait till some great public calamity, or the invasion of the country + by a neighbouring sovereign, who was gradually extending his dominions by force or + cunning, should bring the young king to his senses.</p> + + <p>"Ere long, what they had expected came to pass; for the King of Asmaka, who had + for some time coveted the country, but did not dare openly to invade it while it was + strong and prosperous, took measures in secret to weaken the authority of + Anantavarma, and diminish his resources; and, lest he should perchance see the error + of his ways and abandon his vicious courses, he secretly gave a commission to the son + of one of his ministers, a young man of great abilities and agreeable manners, an + eloquent flatterer and amusing companion, who arrived at the court of Anantavarma, + attended by a numerous retinue, as if travelling about for his own pleasure.</p> + + <p>"This man soon became intimate with the king, and took care to fall in with all + his tastes, and to justify and praise every pursuit which he engaged in.</p> + + <p>"Thus, if he saw the king fond of hunting, he would say: 'What a fine manly sport + this is! How it strengthens the body, braces the spirits, and quickens the + intelligence! While roaming over hill and dale, you become acquainted with the + country; by destroying the deer and wild buffaloes, you benefit the husbandmen; by + killing the tigers and other wild beasts, you make travelling safer.' And he would go + on in this way, without any allusion to the damage and destruction caused by the + king's hunting expeditions.</p> + + <p>"If gambling was the favourite amusement, or there was excessive devotion to + women, or to drinking, he would very ingeniously bring forward everything that could + be said in favour of them, passing over their disadvantages in silence. If the king + was lavish to his dependants, he would praise his generosity; if cruel, he would say: + 'Such severity is good; you maintain your own dignity by it; a king ought not to be + like a patient devotee, submitting to insults, and ready to forgive.</p> + + <p>"In this manner that wicked wretch obtained great influence over the king, and + employed it to lead him into all sorts of excesses.</p> + + <p>"With such an example before them, all classes gradually became corrupted. The + magistrates neglected their duties, and thought only how they might enrich + themselves; great criminals, who could bribe, escaped with impunity; the weak were + oppressed by the strong; violence and robbery were rampant; disturbances broke out on + all sides; and severe and indiscriminating punishments only stirred up indignation, + without repressing crime. The revenue diminished, while expenditure was increasing; + everywhere loud complaints were heard, and great distress prevailed.</p> + + <p>"As if all this were not sufficient, the cruel King of Asmaka sent emissaries in + all directions to mix unsuspectedly with the inhabitants of Vidarba, and do as much + mischief as possible.</p> + + <p>"Some would distribute subtle poisons in various ways; some would stir up quarrels + between neighbouring villages, and so cause party fights; some contrived to let loose + a furious elephant into a crowd, or get up an alarm by other means, and so cause a + sudden panic, in which the people trampled down each other, and many lives were lost; + others, disguised as hunters, promising abundance of game, would tempt men into some + narrow valley, between high mountains, where they were devoured by tigers, or, unable + to find their way out again, perished of hunger and thirst.</p> + + <p>"By these and many other devices, they succeeded in destroying life and weakening + the country, so that less resistance might be offered to the invader.</p> + + <p>"Then, thinking the time to be arrived, the King of Asmaka prepared for war. + Meanwhile, his emissary was leading on the foolish young king to destruction; and at + this very time, as if in perfect security, he was amusing himself with the + performances of a celebrated actress and dancer, having, at the instigation of his + treacherous friend, persuaded her, by large donations, to leave the King of Kuntala, + with whom she was a great favourite.</p> + + <p>"Indignant at such an insult, that king was easily persuaded to join the King of + Asmaka, who had already obtained several other allies eager to have a share in the + expected conquest and plunder.</p> + + <p>"Thus, when the country was actually invaded, no effectual resistance was made; + Anantavarma was easily defeated, and fell into the power of his cruel enemy.</p> + + <p>"The cunning King of Asmaka, who had gained his allies by many liberal promises, + had no intention of sharing the conquered country with any one; he professed, + however, great disinterestedness; declared that he should be contented with a very + small part; and, having desired his allies to arrange between themselves what each + should take, contrived, by his intrigues, to make them quarrel over the division. The + result was that they fought with, and so weakened each other, that he was able to + disregard their claims, and to annex the whole of the conquered country to his own + dominions.</p> + + <p>"After the defeat and death of Anantavarma, an old and faithful minister escaped + with the queen and her two children, this boy and his elder sister Manjuvâdini, + together with a few faithful followers, including myself; and though the old minister + was taken ill and died on the road, the rest arrived safely at Mahishmati, where the + queen was well received by the king Amittravarma, a half-brother of her husband, and + where she devoted herself to the education of her son, hoping that he might one day + recover his father's kingdom.</p> + + <p>"After a time, however, that king sought to marry his brother's widow; and, having + been rejected by her, determined to take revenge by killing her son.</p> + + <p>"The queen, having discovered his intentions, sent for me, and said: 'My life is + wrapped up in this boy; I can endure any thing, so long as he is safe; take him and + make your escape at once; I know not where to send you, but if you can find a safe + refuge, let me know, and I will come to you, if possible.'</p> + + <p>"In obedience to her commands, I took the boy, succeeded in escaping with him, and + reached a shepherd's hut on the borders of this forest. There we stayed a few days + till I saw a man whom I suspected to be searching for us. Fearing discovery, I left + the cottage, and entered the forest. Here, while trying to get water to quench the + poor child's burning thirst, I slipped into the well, where I should have perished + but for your timely assistance; and now, having done us this kindness, will you add + to it by protecting the boy, and helping us to reach a place of safety?"</p> + + <p>"Who was his mother," I asked. "Of what family was she?"</p> + + <p>"She is the daughter of the King of Oude," he answered, "and her mother was + Sagaradatta, daughter of Vaisravana, a merchant of Pâtaliputra."</p> + + <p>"If so," I replied, "she and my father are cousins by the mother's side; this boy + is therefore my relation, and has a right to my protection."</p> + + <p>The old man was much pleased at hearing this, and I promised not only to protect + the boy, but to contrive some means for reinstating him in his proper position, and + overcoming that wicked King of Asmaka with cunning equal to his own.</p> + + <p>For the present, however, the most needful thing was to procure food. While I was + considering how to obtain this, two deer passed, pursued by a forester, who shot + three arrows and missed them, and, in despair, let fall his bow and two remaining + arrows. Hastily snatching up these, I discharged the arrows in rapid succession, and + killed both the deer; one of them I gave to the hunter, the other I prepared, and + roasted a part of it for ourselves.</p> + + <p>The forester was astonished by my skill, and delighted at the acquisition of so + much food; and it occurred to me that I might get some information from him. I asked + him therefore: "Do you know anything of what is going on at Mahishmati?"</p> + + <p>"I was there early this morning," he answered, "for I had a tiger skin and other + skins to sell, and great festivities were in preparation; the Prince Prachandavarma, + the king's younger brother, is about to marry the Princess Manjuvâdini, and the + rejoicings are on this account."</p> + + <p>After the forester was gone, I said to the old man (whose name was + Nâlijangha): "That wretch Amittravarma is trying to make it up with his + sister-in-law by promoting a good marriage for her daughter; no doubt he thinks to + persuade her to recall her son, that he may have him in his power. Do you therefore + leave the boy with me, and go back at once to his mother. Tell her how you have met + with me, and that the child is quite safe under my protection; but give out in public + that he has been carried off and devoured by a tiger. I shall come to the city + disguised as a beggar; do you wait for me near the cemetery."</p> + + <p>All this he promised to do, and set off immediately, having first received further + directions for the guidance of the queen.</p> + + <p>After some days, it was generally understood at Mahishmati that the boy who had + escaped into the forest had been killed by a tiger; and the king, secretly rejoicing, + went to condole with the mother. She appeared as if greatly distressed by the news, + and said to him: "I look upon the death of my son as a judgment upon me for not + complying with your wishes, and am therefore now ready to become your wife."</p> + + <p>The old wretch was delighted at her compliance, and preparations were made for the + marriage.</p> + + <p>On the appointed day, in the presence of a numerous assembly, she took a small + leafy branch, and dipping it in what appeared to be water, but which really contained + a deadly poison, struck him gently with it on the face, saying: "If you are acting + right, this will not injure you; if you are sinning in taking me, your brother's + wife, and I am faithful to my husband, may this be like the blow of a sword to + you."</p> + + <p>Such was the strength of the poison that he fell dead almost instantaneously. Then + dipping the same branch into other water containing an antidote, she struck her + daughter in a similar manner; and, as no injury followed, the spectators were fully + convinced that the death of Amittravarma was a punishment from heaven.</p> + + <p>Soon after this (by my directions, and in order to throw him off his guard), she + said to Prachandavarma: "The throne is now vacant; you should occupy it at once, and + make my daughter your queen."</p> + + <p>He listened to the suggestion; and, as the young boy, the nephew of the late king, + was supposed to be dead, no opposition was made by the people.</p> + + <p>Then the Queen Vasundhara (also by my directions) sent for some of the late king's + ministers, and of the elders of the city, whom she knew to be ill-affected towards + Prachandavarma, and said to them: "Last night the goddess Durgâ appeared to me + in a vision, and said: 'Your child is safe; I myself, in the form of a tigress, + carried him away, to save him from his enemies. In four days from this time + Prachandavarma will suddenly die; on the fifth day let all the authorities assemble + round my temple on the bank of the river, and close the doors, after having + ascertained that no one is concealed inside. After waiting one hour, the door will + open and a young brahman will come forth, holding your son by the hand. That boy will + become King of Vidarba, and that brahman is to marry your daughter.'"</p> + + <p>After the divine manifestation in favour of the queen when Amittravarma was struck + dead, this account of the vision was readily believed by her hearers, who promised to + keep the secret and to be guided by her directions.</p> + + <p>When the fourth day arrived I entered the city, disguised as a beggar, and brought + the boy to his delighted mother, who introduced me to her daughter, whom I greatly + admired, and she, though agitated, was evidently pleased with me, even under such a + disguise.</p> + + <p>I did not venture to stay long, and after receiving an alms and assuring the queen + that the imagined dream would prove true, I went away, taking the boy with me, and at + parting, in order to deceive her attendants, she said aloud: "Your application shall + not have been in vain; I will take care to protect your boy."</p> + + <p>Nâlijangha, the old servant whom I had rescued in the forest, met me on my + arrival, and was waiting at the place which I had appointed. I went to him there and + asked him for information as to the movements and occupations of the new king. "That + doomed man," he answered, "thinking all obstacles removed, and rejoicing at his + accession to power, is now amusing himself in the palace gardens, with a number of + actors, tumblers, and dancing girls."</p> + + <p>"I could not have a better opportunity," I replied; "do you therefore stay here + with the boy, and wait for me in this old ruin. I shall not be long gone."</p> + + <p>I then dressed myself in the clothes of a tumbler, which I had brought with me for + the purpose, went boldly into the garden, presented myself to the king, and asked for + permission to exhibit my skill before him. This was readily granted; an opportunity + was soon given me of showing what I could do, and I obtained much applause from the + spectators. After a time I begged some of those present to lend me their knives, and + I caused much astonishment by the way in which I appeared to balance myself on the + points. Then, still, holding one of the knives, I imitated the pouncing of a hawk and + an eagle, and having by degrees got near the king, I threw the knife with such good + aim, that it pierced him to the heart, and I shouted out at the same time, "Long live + Vasantabhânu!" that it might be supposed I had been sent by him. After this, + dashing by the guards, who tried to stop me, I suddenly leaped over the wall, and + before any of my pursuers could cross it, I had run a long way on the other side. + Doubling back, I got behind a great heap of bricks, and from thence, concealed by the + trees, succeeded in reaching the ruins unobserved. Here I changed my clothes and went + back to the city, as if nothing had happened.</p> + + <p>In order to have everything ready for my intended concealment, I had gone secretly + the day before to the Temple of Durgâ, and had there made an underground + chamber, communicating with the interior through an opening in the wall, which was + carefully closed with a large stone, and now, taking the boy with me, I entered the + hiding place, having been furnished with suitable dresses and ornaments, sent by the + queen, through Nâlijangha.</p> + + <p>The assassination of Prachandavarma was universally attributed to his enemy, the + King of Asmaka, and the first part of the prophecy of Durgâ, as told by the + queen, being thus accomplished, there was no doubt, on the part of those who were in + the secret, as to the fulfilment of the remainder.</p> + + <p>In the morning a great crowd was assembled round the temple; for although the + secret of the queen's vision had been kept, it was generally understood that + something wonderful was to take place there.</p> + + <p>Presently the queen and her attendants arrived, entered the building, and paid + their devotions to the goddess, after which the whole temple was carefully searched, + to make sure that no one was concealed there, and all having withdrawn, the doors + were closed, and the people stood without in silence, anxiously awaiting the pleasure + of the goddess.</p> + + <p>A band then began to play and the kettledrums were loudly struck, so that the + sound reached me in the hiding-place. At this, which was the preconcerted signal, I + made a great effort, moved the large stone, and came forth with the boy into the + temple. Having changed our dresses, I placed the old ones in the hole, carefully + refitted the stone, and throwing the temple door wide open, stood in front of the + astonished multitude, holding the young prince by the hand.</p> + + <p>While they were gazing in bewilderment, I thus addressed them: "The great goddess + Durgâ, who lately showed herself in a vision to the queen, has been pleased to + restore to his longing mother this child, whom she, in the form of a tigress, had + carried away, and she commands you, by my mouth, to accept him as your + sovereign."</p> + + <p>Then turning to the queen, I said:—"Receive your child from the hands of + Durgâ, who will henceforth protect him as her own son; and by her command + accept me as the husband of your daughter."</p> + + <p>To the ministers and elders I said:—"The goddess has brought me here, not + merely as a messenger of her will, but as a defender of your country from that wicked + King of Asmaka, whose cruel and unscrupulous intrigues are well known; accept me, + therefore, as your deliverer, and as the guardian of the young king appointed by + Durgâ."</p> + + <p>Upon this all broke out into loud acclamations, saying: "Great is the power of the + glorious Durgâ! happy the country of which you are the protector!" and I was + conducted in triumph to the palace, together with the queen, who could now openly + show her joy at the recovery of her son.</p> + + <p>So well had I managed, that no suspicion arose of the deception which had been + practised, and all the people venerated the young king as being especially under the + protection of the goddess, and me as the agent chosen by her for his restoration.</p> + + <p>Thus my authority was well established. I caused, in due time, the young prince to + be formally proclaimed king, and had him carefully educated; and I myself received + the hand of the lovely Manjuvâdini, as the reward of my services and in + obedience to the commands of Durgâ.</p> + + <p>After some time, however, I began to reflect: "Though my position now seems quite + secure, yet, after all, I am a foreigner here, and when the first burst of admiration + is over, people may perhaps begin to ask, 'Who is this stranger who has come among us + in such a mysterious manner? and what is he that he should thus lord it over us?' And + it occurred to me that if I could make friends with an old and much-respected + minister, named Aryaketu, so as to trust him entirely, he might be of great + assistance to me."</p> + + <p>Before, however, making any overtures to him, I desired Nâlijangha to try + him secretly and ascertain his feelings towards me.</p> + + <p>My agent, therefore, had many interviews with him, and tried to persuade him that + it was not for the good of the country that a stranger and foreigner should occupy + such an important position, which ought rather to be held by a native, and that it + would be very desirable to get rid of me.</p> + + <p>To all this Aryaketu answered: "Do not speak against so good a man, and one of + such wonderful ability, endowed with such great courage, generosity, and kindness. So + many good qualities are rarely found united in one person. I esteem the country very + fortunate in having such a ruler, and am convinced, that through him the King of + Asmaka will one day be driven out, and our prince established on his father's throne. + Nothing shall induce me to plot against such a man."</p> + + <p>After hearing this from Nâlijangha, I tried the old minister in various + ways, and seeing no reason to doubt his fidelity and attachment, I gave him my full + confidence, and found him a most useful friend.</p> + + <p>With his advice and assistance, I was able to appoint efficient officers in every + department. I encouraged religion and punished heresy; I kept each of the four castes + in their proper sphere, and without oppressing the people, I collected a large + revenue, for there is nothing worse than weakness in a ruler, and without money he + cannot be strong.</p> + + <p>[Here the story breaks off abruptly.]</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="LITERAL_TRANSLATIONS" name="LITERAL_TRANSLATIONS"></a> + + <h2>LITERAL TRANSLATIONS.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p>Page 244.</p> + + <p>My Lord, I, having a common cause with my friends of wandering, saw among the + Suhmans, in the outer park of a city called Damalipta, a great festal crowd. There, + in a bower of Atimukta creepers, I saw a certain young man amusing himself with the + sound of a lute. I asked him "Worthy sir, what is this festival called? on what + account is this beginning, through what cause do you stand in solitude, accompanied + (only) by your lute, as if out of spirits, not having done honour to the + festival?"</p> + + <p>He replied: "The King of Suhma, called Tungadhanwa, being without offspring, + begged from the feet of Durgâ, called Vindhyavâsiní,<a + id="FNanchor11" name="FNanchor11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> + dwelling in this abode, having her love for the abode in Vindhya forgotten, two + children, and by her in a vision to him sleeping near (her temple) direction was + given: 'There shall be produced of thee one son, and one daughter shall be born; but + he shall be in subjection to her husband. But let her, beginning from the seventh + year till her marriage, propitiate me every month while the moon is in Krittika (the + constellation of the Pleiades), with the ball-dance, for the obtaining an excellent + husband; and whom she likes, to him she is to be given and let this festival be + called the Ball Festival.' So she said. Then in a very short time the beloved queen + of the king, named Mediní, bore a son, and a daughter was born at the same + time. That damsel, called Kandukavati, will to-day propitiate the goddess having the + moon as a diadem.</p> + + <p>"But her friend, Chandrasena by name, her foster-sister, was beloved of me; and in + these days she has been violently besieged by the king's son Bhimadhanwa. Therefore + I, distressed, perplexed at heart by the pain of the arrow-darts of Kâma, + somewhat consoling myself with the soft tones of the lute, occupy a solitary + place."</p> + + <p>And at that moment there came near a certain sound of anklets, and a certain lady + came up. He indeed having seen her, with eyes opened wide, having risen up, having + been embraced by her, sat down; and he said "This is the (lady) dear as my life, + separation from whom, burning as it were, burns me up; and by that prince the robber + of this, my life, I am brought to a state of coldness, as if by death; and I shall + not be able, saying he is the king's son, to practise loyalty towards him; therefore, + having caused myself to be favourably regarded by her, I will abandon a life which + has no remedy."</p> + + <p>But she, with her face full of tears, said "O beloved, do not, on my account, + engage in violence. Thou, who having been born of a worthy merchant, Arthadâsa, + wast called Kosadâsa by thy parents, art called by thy enemies + Vèsadâsa (slave of a girl), from thy excessive attachment to me. Thou + thyself being dead, I should imagine the popular saying would be (he was) + Nrisansa-Vesa—the slave of a wicked one. But now take me to any place you + will."</p> + + <p>But he said to me: "Friend, in the regions seen by you, which was (the most) + prosperous, abounding in corn, and having the greatest number of good men?"</p> + + <p>To him, having laughed a little, I said "Wide is this (world bounded by) ocean and + sky. There is no end of pleasant regions in one place or another. But, indeed, if I + should not be able to produce some plan causing you to live comfortably here, then, + indeed, I will show you the way."</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, the sounds of jewel-anklets arose. Now she, in a hurry, said: "My + lord's daughter Kandukavati is come to propitiate Durgâ with playing at ball; + and she is of unforbidden sight in this Kanduka (ball) festival. May the eye of you + going to see her be successful; I must be keeping near her." So saying, she went + away, and we two followed her.</p> + + <p>I first saw the red-lipped (lady) standing on the floor of a jewelled stage; and + she, seen by me a stranger and at a distance, immediately settled in my heart. And I, + having my mind occupied by astonishment, thought: "Is this Lakshmi? for the lotus is + not placed in her hand; but in her (Lakshmi's) hand there is a lotus, and she (the + goddess) has been all enjoyed by Vishnu, and by former kings; but in this (lady) + there is unimpaired faultless youth."</p> + + <p>While I was thus reflecting, she, faultless in every limb, touching the ground + with the tips of her stretched-out fingers, having her dark curled locks shaken, + having with agitation saluted the mighty goddess, took hold of the ball, resembling + (in colour) the god without a body (<i>i.e.</i>Kâma) having his eye reddened by + no slight passion; and having dropped it with graceful languor to the ground, having + struck it, gently rising, with her bud-like hand having the delicate fingers + stretched out, the thumb a little bent; having thrown, it up with the back of the + hand, she caught it observed with active grace, in the air as it fell like a bunch of + flowers joined with a circle of bees; and she discharged it in middling slow and + quick musical time, throwing it very gently; and at that moment she displayed a quick + movement with her feet; and when it stopped, she caused it to rise up with numerous + blows; and, contrarywise, she caused it to rest; and she made it rise up like a bird, + striking it regularly with her left and right hands when it was come straight to her + side, and having caught it fallen when it had risen to a very great height, she + practised a song-step; and having caused it to go up in various directions, she made + it come back again. Thus sporting sweetly in various ways, accepting the words of + praise loudly spoken at every moment by the people with their feelings interested + come near to the stage, she stands turned towards me (who was) leaning on the + shoulder of Kosadaâsa, having just then confidence produced in me, with flushed + cheek and wide expanded eye. Then she being caused to have a glancing look like that + of Kandarpa when first descended to earth, corresponding therewith having her + gracefully-curved creeper<a id="FNanchor12" name="FNanchor12"></a><a + href="#Footnote_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> eyebrows sportively playing; with the network + of the rays of light of her lips oscillated by the waves of the wind of her breath, + like twigs moved in sport, as if beating off the bees eager to catch the perfume of + heir lotus-face. In the circular whirlings of the ball (caused) by very rapid + striking, entering, as it were, a flowery cage, through bashfulness at sight of me; + in the Panchavindhu movement shaking off, as if through fear, the five arrows of + Kâma simultaneously falling (on her); in the Gomuttrika steps quivering like + the brightness shown in the cloud imitating forked lightning; in the harmonious + movements of her feet, having the time kept by the sound of the jewelled ornaments; + with her lower lip suffused with the brightness of a furtive smile; with the mass of + her locks put up again when fallen down; with her jewelled girdle-belt sounding by + knocking together; with the brightness of her muslin dress, agitated as it rested on + her gracefully prominent full hips; with the beautiful ball, struck by the quivering, + bent, and extended arms; with the arms like a loop, turned downwards; with her + graceful hair reaching to the end of the back, rolled round upwards; with the game + continued (and) not neglected from her rapidity in putting up the fallen-down golden + leaf of the ear-ring; with the ball whirled inwards and outwards by the feet and + hands throwing it up repeatedly; with the necklace lost to sight through bending down + and rising up; the pearls without separation in falling and rising; with the wind of + the little branch (stuck) in (or behind) the ear engaged in drying up the paint of + the cheek spoilt by the perspiration breaking forth; with one hand engaged in holding + back on the surface of her bosom the falling muslin dress; sitting down and rising + up, closing and opening her eyes, striking on the ground or in the air, with one ball + or more than one, she showed various sorts of play worth looking at.</p> + + <p>After that, a certain damsel, adorned with a quantity of ornaments, made of + jewels, who had become the chief of the whole race of women in the world, attended by + a numerous train of modest female friends, having the gait of a swan, having come up + softly, having made an offering to the most excellent brahman, of one jewel of the + form (colour) of flame, being asked by him: "Who art thou?"</p> + + <p>Sorrowfully, with a low murmuring voice, very gently, in a submissive attitude, + said: "O excellent brahman, I am the daughter of a chief of Asuras, Kalindi by name. + My father, the ruler of this world, great in dignity, in a battle in which the + immortals were removed to a distance, was made a guest of the city of Yama by Vishnu, + impatient of his own valour. Me, immersed in an ocean of grief at separation from + him, a certain compassionate perfected devotee told: 'Damsel, a certain mortal, + bearing a divine body, having become thy new husband, shall rule over the whole of + Pâtâla.'"</p> + + <p>PAGE 309.</p> + + <p>Having propitiated with clasped hands, put together in the form of the red lotus; + the mass of rays coloured by the red sandalwood body of the thousand-eyed elephant of + the eastern quarter having a thousand flames, the witness of things (which ought) to + be done and not to be done, the unique sea-monster leaping over the row of + cloud-waves of the celestial ocean, the graceful actor dancing on the stage of the + golden rock, the one lion the tearer of the scented elephant of nocturnal darkness, + the jewel arranged at the top of the pearl necklace the canopy of the stars; I went + to my own dwelling. And three days being gone, when the lord of day had a splendour + of colour common to it with the red chalk side of the peak of the western mountain, + and was looking like the orb of one bosom of the Goddess of Twilight, united with the + body of Siva, under the name of atmosphere, for the disparagement of the daughter of + the king of mountains; that king also having come, stood in humble attitude, having + his diadem eclipsed by the rays from the nails of the feet of this person placed on + the ground; and he was thus addressed:—</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="PROPER_NAMES_ETC_OCCURRING_IN_THE_TALES" + name="PROPER_NAMES_ETC_OCCURRING_IN_THE_TALES"></a> + + <h2>PROPER NAMES, ETC., OCCURRING IN THE TALES.</h2> + <br /> + + + <p><i>Alaka</i>, a mountain inhabited by Kuvera and the Yakshas.</p> + + <p><i>Ambâlika</i>, the daughter of Sinhavarma, wife of Mantragupta.</p> + + <p><i>Amittravarma</i>, King or Governor of Mahishmati.</p> + + <p><i>Anantavarma</i>, King of Vidarba.</p> + + <p><i>Apahâravarma</i>, son of Prahâravarma, and one of the nine + companions<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">of Râjahansa.</span></p> + + <p><i>Apsaras</i>, heavenly females, nearly corresponding with the houris of<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">the Mahometans.</span></p> + + <p><i>Arthapâla</i>, son of Kâmapâla, one of the nine companions of + Râjahansa.</p> + + <p><i>Arthapati</i>, a merchant at Champa, who wished to marry Kulapâlika.</p> + + <p><i>Aryaketu</i>, a minister and friend of Visruta.</p> + + <p><i>Asura</i>, a general term for various supernatural beings not regarded as<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">gods, but in general hostile to them, nearly the + same as the jins</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">or genii of the "Arabian Nights."</span></p> + + <p><i>Avantisundari</i>, daughter of Mânasâra, wife of + Râjavâhana.</p> + + <p><i>Balabhadra</i>, a merchant, husband of Ratnavati.</p> + + <p><i>Bâlachandrika</i>, wife of Pushpodbhava, and friend of Avantisundari.</p> + + <p><i>Bandhupâla</i>, a merchant, father of Bâlachandrika.</p> + + <p><i>Betel and pawn</i>, a mixture for chewing, frequently offered in<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">politeness, as snuff with us. <i>Bheels</i>, + savages, wild tribes,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">robbers.</span></p> + + <p><i>Bhimadhanwa</i>, brother of Kandukavati.</p> + + <p><i>Buddhist</i>, a disciple of Buddha. Buddha was a Hindoo reformer, whose<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">followers were once very numerous in India, but at + the date of these</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">stories had been much diminished in number, through + the persecutions</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">of the brahmans. They still, however, form a large + part of the</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">population of Ceylon, Thibet, China, and some other + countries, though</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">the comparatively pure religion of the founder has + for the most part</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">degenerated into gross idolatry and unmeaning + ceremonies.</span></p> + + <p><i>Chakravâka</i>, name of a bird quoted for affection, as turtle-doves + by<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">us.</span></p> + + <p><i>Chandâla</i>, a pariah, outcast.</p> + + <p><i>Chandrasena</i>, foster-sister of the Princess Kandukavati.</p> + + <p><i>Châtaka</i>, a bird supposed to be very fond of rain, and to make a + loud<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">noise at its approach.</span></p> + + <p><i>Dhanamittra</i>, husband of Kulapâlika, friend of Apahâravarma.</p> + + <p><i>Dharmapâla</i>, one of Râjahansa's ministers.</p> + + <p><i>Dharmavardhana</i>, King of Sravasti.</p> + + <p><i>Durga</i>or<i>Kâli</i>, wife of Siva, a terrific goddess, delighting + in<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">human sacrifices.</span></p> + + <p><i>Gaurí</i>, wife of Siva.</p> + + <p><i>Ghee</i>, liquid butter, or butter which has been liquefied.</p> + + <p><i>Indra</i>, the chief of the inferior gods, presiding over the clouds,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">rain, thunder, &c.</span></p> + + <p><i>Kailâsa</i>, a mountain, part of the Himâlaya chain.</p> + + <p><i>Kalahakantaka</i>, the man who fell in love with a portrait.</p> + + <p><i>Kalindí</i>, Queen of Pâtâla, wife of Matanga.</p> + + <p><i>Kalpasundari</i>, wife of Vikatavarma, afterwards of Upahâravarma.</p> + + <p><i>Kâma</i>or<i>Kandarpa</i>, the God of Love.</p> + + <p><i>Kâmamanjari</i>, the actress who seduced the Muni.</p> + + <p><i>Kâmapâla</i>, son of Dharmapâla, minister and son-in-law of + the King of<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Benâres.</span></p> + + <p><i>Kanakalekha</i>, daughter of the King of Kalinga, wife of Mantragupta.</p> + + <p><i>Kandukavati</i>, the princess who performed the ball-dance.</p> + + <p><i>Kantaka</i>, the gaoler killed by Upahâravarma.</p> + + <p><i>Kantimati</i>, the wife of Kâmapâla, mother of Arthapâla.</p> + + <p><i>Kirâta</i>, a savage, forester, Bheel.</p> + + <p><i>Kosadâsa</i>, lover of Chandrasena.</p> + + <p><i>Kusa-grass</i>, a scented grass, much used at sacrifices for laying<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">offerings on, &c.</span></p> + + <p><i>Kuvera</i>, the God of Wealth, whose attendants were the Yakshas.</p> + + <p><i>Magadha</i>, the kingdom of Râjahansa.</p> + + <p><i>Mahâkâla</i>, a famous temple of Siva, the object of many + pilgrimages.</p> + + <p><i>Mahishmati</i>, name of a city.</p> + + <p><i>Malaya</i>, a mountain, or range of mountains, having many sandal trees,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">the perfume from which was supposed to be carried a + long distance by</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">the wind.</span></p> + + <p><i>Mâlwa</i>, the kingdom of Mânasâra.</p> + + <p><i>Mânapâla</i>, the officer who guarded Vâmalochana.</p> + + <p><i>Mânasâra</i>, King of Mâlwa, conqueror of + Râjahansa.</p> + + <p><i>Manibhadra</i>, a Yaksha, father of Târâvali.</p> + + <p><i>Manjuvâdiní</i>, daughter of Anantavarma, wife of Visruta.</p> + + <p><i>Mantra</i>, a verse or chapter in the vedas, any prayer or words recited<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">as a charm.</span></p> + + <p><i>Mâríchi</i>, a great muni seduced by Kâmamanjari.</p> + + <p><i>Matanga</i>, a brahman who went down to Pâtâla together with<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Râjavâhana.</span></p> + + <p><i>Mithila</i>, a city or country, called also Videha.</p> + + <p><i>Mitragupta</i>, one of the nine companions of Râjavâhana.</p> + + <p><i>Muni</i>, a holy man devoted to study, meditation, and penance.</p> + + <p><i>Nâlijangha</i>, the old man whom Visruta rescued from the well.</p> + + <p><i>Nârâyana</i>, a name of Vishnu, an incarnation of the three + principal<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">gods, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva.</span></p> + + <p><i>Navamâlika</i>, daughter of the King of Sravasti, wife of Pramati.</p> + + <p><i>Padmodbhava</i>, one of Râjahansa's ministers.</p> + + <p><i>Pâtâla</i>, a fabulous subterranean country.</p> + + <p><i>Prachandavarma</i>, King or Governor of Mahishmati, killed by Visruta.</p> + + <p><i>Prahâravarma</i>, King of Mithila, father of Apahâravarma and<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Upahâravarma.</span></p> + + <p><i>Priyamvada</i>, Queen of Prahâravarma.</p> + + <p><i>Purnabhadra</i>, the reformed robber, servant of Kâmapâla.</p> + + <p><i>Pushpapuri</i>, the capital of Magadha.</p> + + <p><i>Râgamanjari</i>, an actress, sister of Kâmamanjari.</p> + + <p><i>Râjahansa</i>, king of Magadha, father of Râjavâhana, the + hero of the<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">story.</span></p> + + <p><i>Rakshas</i>or<i>Rakshasas</i>, evil spirits or ogres, hostile to men, + whom<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">they used to devour.</span></p> + + <p><i>Rati</i>, a goddess, wife of Kâma.</p> + + <p><i>Rishi</i>, nearly the same as Muni, a holy man retired from the world,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">devoted to prayer and meditation.</span></p> + + <p><i>Satyavarma</i>, son of a minister of Râjahansa, and father of + Somadatta.</p> + + <p><i>Savara</i>, fem.<i>Savari</i>, a savage, not a Hindoo.</p> + + <p><i>Siddha</i>(literally perfected), a very holy devotee.</p> + + <p><i>Simanta</i>, a religious ceremony performed on behalf of a woman at a<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">certain period of pregnancy.</span></p> + + <p><i>Sinhaghosha</i>, the deposed King of Benâres.</p> + + <p><i>Sinhavarma</i>, King of Anga, father of Ambâlika.</p> + + <p><i>Sitavarma</i>, one of Râjahansa's ministers.</p> + + <p><i>Sringâlika</i>, the nurse of Râgamanjari.</p> + + <p><i>Siva</i>, one of the three chief gods or triad of the Hindoos, Brahma,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Siva, and Vishnu, who are sometimes regarded as + one, sometimes</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">confounded with each other.</span></p> + + <p><i>Sumantra</i>, son of Dharmapâla.</p> + + <p><i>Susruta</i>, son of Padmodbhava.</p> + + <p><i>Târâvali</i>, a Yaksha lady, wife of Kâmapâla.</p> + + <p><i>Vâmadeva</i>, a holy man consulted by Râjahansa.</p> + + <p><i>Vâmalochana</i>, daughter of Víraketu, wife of Somadatta.</p> + + <p><i>Vasumati</i>, Queen of Râjahansa.</p> + + <p><i>Vasundhara</i>, Queen of Anantavarma the King of Vidarba.</p> + + <p><i>Vidarba</i>, name of a country.</p> + + <p><i>Videha</i>, a country called also Mithila.</p> + + <p><i>Vidyâdhara</i>, one of the numerous demigods.</p> + + <p><i>Vidyeswara</i>, the conjuror who married Râjavâhana to + Avantisundari.</p> + + <p><i>Vikatavarma</i>, King of Mithila, husband of Kalpasundari.</p> + + <p><i>Vimardaka</i>, a keeper of a gaming house, employed by Apahâravarma.</p> + + <p><i>Víraketu</i>, King of Pâtali, father of Vâmalochana.</p> + + <p><i>Yaksha</i>, a sort of demigod or fairy, a servant of Kuvera.</p> + + <p><i>Yama</i>, God and Judge of the Infernal Regions.</p> + + <p><i>Yati</i>, an ascetic, a devotee.</p> + + <p><i>Yavana</i>, a Greek, an Arabian—any foreigner.</p> + <br /> + + + <center> + THE END. + </center> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <a id="FOOTNOTES" name="FOOTNOTES"></a> + + <h2>FOOTNOTES:</h2> + + <p><a id="Footnote_1" name="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor1">[1]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + A religious ceremony on behalf of a woman at a certain period of pregnancy. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_2" name="Footnote_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor2">[2]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + The Hindoos attach much importance to certain marks on the body, such as the lines + on the hands, &c. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_3" name="Footnote_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor3">[3]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + Kusa-grass, or kuskus, is used for strewing the floor of a sacrificial enclosure, + for laying offerings on, and for other sacred uses. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_4" name="Footnote_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor4">[4]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + To be pushed in through opening in a wall, so as to receive any blow which might be + given. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_5" name="Footnote_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor5">[5]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + To be let loose that it might put out the lights. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_6" name="Footnote_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor6">[6]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + Hindoo women, when absent from their husbands, always wear, or used to wear, their + hair done up into a single braid. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_7" name="Footnote_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor7">[7]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + The author has here made a mistake which cannot be explained. In the introductory + chapter Pramati is the son of Sumati, and there is nowhere mention of a second son + of Kâmapâla. The confusion of names is, however, of little importance, + since the adventures of Arthapâla and Pramati are quite distinct. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_8" name="Footnote_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor8">[8]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + Increaser of virtue. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_9" name="Footnote_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor9">[9]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + It was considered a very great sin to be, even indirectly, the cause of the death + of a brahman. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_10" name="Footnote_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor10">[10]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + An evil spirit, the ghoul of the "Arabian Nights," the readers of which will + remember the story of Amina, who goes out at night to feast on dead bodies. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_11" name="Footnote_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor11">[11]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + The inhabitant of Vindhya. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + + <p><a id="Footnote_12" name="Footnote_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor12">[12]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + Resembling tendrils. + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11738 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + + |