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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hindoo Tales, by Translated by P. W. Jacob
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hindoo Tales
+       Or, The Adventures of Ten Princes
+
+Author: Translated by P. W. Jacob
+
+Release Date: March 28, 2004 [EBook #11738]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HINDOO TALES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Delphine Lettau, Jayam Subramanian and PG Distributed
+Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+HINDOO TALES
+
+_OR, THE ADVENTURES OF TEN PRINCES_
+
+
+
+
+
+
+FREELY TRANSLATED FROM THE SANSCRIT OF THE DASAKUMARACHARITAM
+
+BY P. W. JACOB
+
+
+
+
+
+
+STRAHAN & CO. 56 LUDGATE HILL, LONDON
+
+1873
+
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 "Raja," a word almost adopted into
+our language, but which. I have rendered by the equivalent and more
+familiar term "King."
+
+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.
+
+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. W. J.
+
+GUILDFORD, _December_, 1872.
+
+
+
+
+PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES.
+
+The vowel _a_, is always to be pronounced as in father.
+
+The vowel _a_, as in America, or as u in dull, i in bird, &c.
+
+The vowel _e_, always as a in cake.
+
+The vowel _i_, as e in cede, or ee in reed.
+
+The vowel _i_, as in pin.
+
+The vowel _u_, as in flute.
+
+The vowel _u_, as in bull.
+
+Pati is therefore pronounced putty, &c.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
+
+ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA.
+
+ADVENTURES OF PUSHPODBHAVA.
+
+MARRIAGE OF AVANTISUNDARI.
+
+FURTHER ADVENTURES OF RAJAVAHANA.
+
+ADVENTURES OF APAHARAVARMA.
+
+ADVENTURES OF UPAHARAVARMA.
+
+ADVENTURES OF ARTHAPALA.
+
+ADVENTURES OF PRAMATI.
+
+ADVENTURES OF MITRAGUPTA.
+
+ADVENTURES OF MANTRAGUPTA.
+
+ADVENTURES OF VISRUTA.
+
+LITERAL TRANSLATIONS.
+
+PROPER NAMES OCCURRING IN THE TALES.
+
+
+
+
+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.
+
+The sovereign of this city and country was Rajahansa, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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, Dharmapala, Padmodbhava, and Sitavarma.
+
+The first of these had three sons, Sumantra, Sumittra, and Kamapala;
+the second, two, Susruta and Ratnodbhava; and the last had also two,
+Sumati and Satyavarma.
+
+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.
+
+Kamapala 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.
+
+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 Rajahansa had reigned some years, war broke out between
+him and the king of the adjoining country of Malwa, the haughty and
+ambitious Manasara, 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.
+
+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.
+
+At last Rajahansa was victorious, the enemy was completely defeated,
+their king taken prisoner, and all Malwa 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.
+
+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 Narayana 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.
+
+When the proper time arrived the king celebrated the ceremony called
+Simanta[1] 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.
+
+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 Malwa, from whence I
+now bring very important news. The haughty Manasara, 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 Mahakala, and he has so far succeeded that the god has given him a
+magic club, very destructive of life and conducive to victory."
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+Presently the two armies met, the battle raged furiously, and
+Manasara, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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, Ramachandra 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."
+
+To this advice the king gave ear, and went to consult a very
+celebrated rishi, Vamadeva, intending, under his directions, to engage
+in such penance as might lead to the accomplishment of his wishes.
+
+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. Manasara, King of Malwa, 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."
+
+Vamadeva, 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."
+
+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,[2] to whom his father gave the
+name of Rajavahana.
+
+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.
+
+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[3] 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
+Praharavarma, 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 Malwa, furnished with a magic weapon,
+had invaded the country; that in the battle which ensued, Praharavarma
+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.
+
+"After some days I came to a small temple of Durga, 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.
+
+"Then I went up to them very humbly, and said: 'O Kiratas, 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."
+
+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
+Upaharavarma, had him brought up as his own son.
+
+Not long after this, Rajahansa went to bathe at a holy place, and in
+returning, as he passed by a group of Chandalas, 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."
+
+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."
+
+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
+Apaharavarma, and begging her to bring him up with her own son.
+
+Soon afterwards, a disciple of Vamadeva brought a beautiful boy to the
+king, and said "As I was returning from a pilgrimage to Ramatirtha, 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 Kalagupta, living in
+the island of Kalayavana, 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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"After searching for the woman some time in vain, I took the child to
+my master, the great muni Vamadeva, and I have now brought it to you
+by his command."
+
+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.
+
+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 Kamapala, the son of your
+husband's late minister, Dharmapala; 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.'
+
+"I was too much astonished to ask her any question, and she, having
+laid down the child near me, disappeared."
+
+The king, greatly surprised, especially that Kamapala should have
+married a Yaksha, sent for the child's uncle, Sumittra, and committed
+the boy to his care, giving him the name of Arthapala.
+
+Not long after this another disciple of Vamadeva 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 Kavari, 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 Kali. Having no children by her, he took as
+his second wife her sister Gauri, and by her he had one son, this
+child.
+
+"'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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+These nine boys, thus wonderfully collected together, became the
+associates and play-fellows of the young prince, and were educated
+together with him.
+
+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 Rajahansa 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 Vamadeva 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 Rajahansa: "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.".
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"When he considered me sufficiently instructed, he quitted me, giving
+me his blessing, and receiving many thanks from me for his kindness.
+
+"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."
+
+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 Gauri.
+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 Patala. 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.'
+
+"I have in consequence anxiously awaited your coming, and now entreat
+you to go with me to the place pointed out in the vision."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Patala.
+
+After walking some distance further, they came to a small lake,
+surrounded by trees, with a city in view.
+
+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.
+
+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
+Kalindi; 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.
+
+"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 Patala'.
+
+"Trusting to this prophecy, I have waited impatiently, longing for
+your coming as a Chataka longs for rain, and am now come, with the
+consent of my ministers and people, to offer you my hand and kingdom."
+
+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.
+
+Rajavahana 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.
+
+At his departure, a magic jewel was given him by Kalindi, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Rajavahana," and, running to him, bowed down to his feet, saying
+"Great is my good fortune in meeting you again." Rajavahana, affected
+by equal pleasure, warmly embraced him, saying, "O my dear friend
+Somadatta, how happy I am to see you once more!"
+
+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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA.
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+I asked him--"What is that camp which I see at some distance?"
+
+He answered--"The Lord of Lata, Mattakala by name, hearing again and
+again of the great beauty of Vamalochana, daughter of Viraketu,
+sovereign of this country, asked her in marriage, and was refused.
+Being determined to obtain her, he raised an army and besieged Patali,
+the capital city. Viraketu finding himself unable to resist the enemy,
+purchased peace by giving up his daughter, and Mattakala, 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 Manapala, 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."
+
+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.
+
+He received the gift with profuse thanks, and set out immediately to
+try to dispose of it; while I lay down there to sleep.
+
+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.
+
+On seeing me, he called out, "There is the thief; that is the man who
+gave me the jewel."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+Those prisoners then told me the story of the King of Lata, which I
+had already heard from the brahman, and further said, "We were sent by
+Manapala 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."
+
+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.
+
+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 Manapala's camp
+in safety. The next day, men sent by the King of Lata came to
+Manapala, 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."
+
+Manapala, who only wanted an excuse for a quarrel, having heard this
+insulting message, his eyes red with anger, answered,--"Who is the
+King of Lata, that I should bow down to him? What have I to do with
+that low fellow? Begone!"
+
+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 Manapala, who was quite prepared to meet him.
+
+When I entered the camp, after my escape, Manapala, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Manapala, 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.
+
+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
+Mahakala, 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.
+
+Rajavahana, 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.
+
+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 Rajavahana
+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:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF PUSHPODBHAVA.
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Kalayavana. 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.
+
+"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."
+
+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?"
+
+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
+Kalayavana, 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+On our arrival at the city, he introduced me to his father,
+Bandhupala, by whose means I obtained permission from the King of
+Malwa 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.
+
+Bandhupala, 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."
+
+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, Balachandrika.
+
+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.
+
+One day, Bandhupala, 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.
+
+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.
+
+She told me, "Some time ago the old king abdicated in favour of his
+son Darpasara, who is now gone on a pilgrimage to the Himalaya
+Mountains, having first appointed as joint regents the two sons of his
+father's sister, Charmavarma and Daruvarma.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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--'Balachandrika 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.'
+
+"If Daruvarma, 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.'
+
+"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 Daruvarma's house."
+
+Balachandrika 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.
+
+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.
+
+After a few days, Balachandrika informed me that Daruvarma, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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!"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+Balachandrika was therefore suffered to leave: I had already escaped
+in the first alarm and confusion, had changed my dress, and reached
+home in safety.
+
+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.
+
+The day indicated by my wife's father having arrived, I came here,
+fully expecting to see you, and now my happiness is complete.
+
+When Rajavahana 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 Mahakala,
+and have taken your wife and her attendants home;" and he then
+accompanied Pushpodbhava into the city of Avanti.
+
+There he was hospitably received in the house of his friend, who
+introduced him by his real name to Bandhupala, 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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+MARRIAGE OF AVANTISUNDARI.
+
+
+During the stay of Rajavahana at Avanti, the season of spring arrived,
+when the great festival of Kama 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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Balachandrika, and making offerings to the god of various
+perfumes and flowers.
+
+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 Balachandrika
+with a gesture of the hand, came and stood very near her.
+
+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.
+
+She, indeed, seeing him beautiful as Kama himself, was almost equally
+affected, and, pervaded by strong feeling, trembled like the branch of
+a creeping plant agitated by a gentle wind.
+
+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."
+
+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?"
+
+Meanwhile Balachandrika, 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."
+
+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.
+
+Then Rajavahana, 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."
+
+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 Balachandrika to catch it.
+
+Inspired by this circumstance with a happy thought, Rajavahana 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.'
+
+"Hearing this, the king, alarmed and distressed, bowed respectfully to
+the ground, and said, 'O mighty sage, forgive an act done through
+ignorance.'
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+From that moment they seemed perfectly to understand each other, and
+sat without speaking, their hearts full of happiness.
+
+Presently the mother of the princess--the queen of the ex-king
+Manasara, who had also come with her attendants into the park, joined
+her daughter; and Balachandrika 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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+With these words she walked slowly away, looking with longing eyes in
+the direction of her lover.
+
+On their return to the palace, the princess heard from Balachandrika a
+full account of Rajavahana 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.
+
+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 Balachandrika: "Ah, dear
+friend, all you can do is to no purpose; they call Kama 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?"
+
+Then Balachandrika 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."
+
+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 Rajavahana 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.
+
+On seeing Balachandrika, 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."
+
+She answered: "The princess is suffering like yourself, longing to see
+you; and has now sent me with this letter."
+
+Eagerly opening it, he read--
+
+"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."
+
+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,
+Balachandrika 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?"
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+Then, having given the necessary directions, the conjurer went his
+way. Rajavahana also returned to the house, and when he had given
+Balachandrika, 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."
+Manasara, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Meanwhile, the princess had contrived to slip out unobserved, and
+stood among the conjurer's people. Rajavahana 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.
+
+In the confusion and excitement caused by the conjurer's performance,
+Rajavahana 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.
+
+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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+FURTHER ADVENTURES OF RAJAVAHANA.
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Balachandrika, 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."
+
+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.
+
+Rajavahana, 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.
+
+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 Darpasara, 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.
+
+Treated thus like some wild beast, roughly shaken and neglected,
+Rajavahana would have suffered greatly had he not been protected by
+the magic jewel given to him in Patala, and which he had contrived to
+conceal in his hair.
+
+Chandavarma had some time before this asked in marriage Ambalika, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Just then a messenger arrived from Kailasa, bringing a letter from
+Darpasara, 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."
+
+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."
+
+Accordingly, the next morning, the prince was brought by the guards to
+the gate of the palace, and the elephant placed near him.
+
+While he stood there, calmly awaiting death, which now seemed
+inevitable, he suddenly felt his feet free, and a beautiful lady
+appeared before him.
+
+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 Himalayan lake.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"The change took place immediately, and I fell to the ground, turned
+into a silver chain.
+
+"About this time, Virasekhara, a Vidyadhara, partly of human descent,
+had become acquainted with Darpasara, 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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?"
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+Rajavahana, 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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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 Apaharavarma, who have done this deed?" and the other
+saying, "Do I indeed see my Lord Rajavahana?" 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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Rajavahana;" and then
+turning to Apaharavarma, 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."
+
+Then Apaharavarma 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."
+
+Rajavahana 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.
+
+When they had been for some time seated there, Dhanamittra returned,
+accompanied by Upaharavarma, Pramati, Mitragupta, Mantragupta,
+Visruta, Praharavarma King of Mithila, Kamapala lord of Benares, and
+Sinhavarma King of Anga.
+
+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, Rajavahana told them his own
+adventures, and those of Somadatta and Pushpodbhava, and then begged
+his friends to relate theirs.
+
+Apaharavarma spoke first.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF APAHARAVARMA.
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Marichi, having heard that he is possessed of very
+wonderful knowledge. Can you tell me where to find him?"
+
+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."
+
+"How can that be?" I asked.
+
+"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 Kamamanjari, who, with dishevelled hair and
+eyes full of tears, threw herself at his feet.
+
+"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
+Kamamanjari, apparently in great agitation and distress.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"With many tears, she replied: 'If you will not receive me I will put
+an end to my wretched life.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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?'
+
+"'Tell me,' he answered, 'how far do you regard virtue as superior to
+the other two?'
+
+"'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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"On that day Kamamanjari 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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"Then a great shout of laughter arose; the king congratulated
+Kamamanjari, and presented her with handsome ornaments.
+
+"After this she walked away with the astonished muni, followed by a
+great crowd, shouting applause.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"She smilingly answered: 'I will explain it all.'
+
+"'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 Marichi. If you can persuade him
+to accompany you here, then indeed you may triumph; I will acknowledge
+myself your inferior."
+
+"'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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+"'My misfortunes are well known,' he answered; 'I can have no
+objection to telling you if you wish to hear them.' Then he began:
+
+"My name is Vasupalika; but from my ugliness I am generally known as
+Virupaka,--the deformed. I am the son of a man of some importance
+here, who left me a large fortune.
+
+"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.
+
+"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, Kamamanjari, 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+When the game was over, accepting his challenge, I sat down to play,
+and won altogether sixteen thousand dinars. 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.
+
+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,[4] a magic candle, a
+rope and grappling-iron, a box with a bee in it,[5] and some other
+implements.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Encouraged by my words, she told me her story: "My name is Kulapalika;
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+After some further talk, I asked him: "Friend, what do you now intend
+to do?"
+
+"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."
+
+"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?
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Kulapalika 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"'Poverty, and contempt,' I answered.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.'
+
+"With these words, he handed me the purse, and immediately
+disappeared.
+
+"I have now brought the purse to your majesty, to know your pleasure
+concerning it."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Kulapalika, 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.
+
+About that time it was publicly announced that a younger sister of
+Kamamanjari--Ragamanjari 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.'
+
+"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."
+
+"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 Kamamanjari, 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 Kamamanjari 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
+Kamamanjari, "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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+"Bring him here to me."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Meanwhile Kamamanjari, anxious to make use of the magic purse,
+proceeded to fulfil the conditions attached to its use. She went
+secretly to Virupaka, 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, Kamamanjari, 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."
+
+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.
+
+I said to Kamamanjari: "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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+To this the king consented, the poor wretch was banished, and all his
+property confiscated, a portion of it being given to Kamamanjari, at
+the earnest entreaty of Dhanamittra, who got back his purse, and
+shortly afterwards married Kulapalika.
+
+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.
+
+Still no suspicion fell on me; but fate is all-powerful, and it was
+decreed that I should be caught at last.
+
+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.
+
+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,
+Sringalika, 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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+Meanwhile, my wounds were attended to, and I was well fed; so that I
+had regained my strength when, one day, Sringalika made her
+appearance, well dressed, and with cheerful countenance.
+
+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
+Ragamanjari. 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.'
+
+"Meanwhile, with the help of gifts furnished by my mistress, I have
+formed an intimacy with the nurse of the Princess Ambalika, 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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.'
+
+"'But how can I make this underground passage?' he asked. 'I cannot
+dig it myself, or employ workmen.'
+
+"'Have you no clever thief here,' I replied, 'accustomed to such
+work?'
+
+"'Well suggested,' he answered. 'I have just the right man.'
+
+"'Who is he?' I said.
+
+"'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.'
+
+"'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.'
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+I then returned to Sringalika, 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+I thought, she is, after all, the lady of my heart. If I do not obtain
+her, Kama 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.
+
+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:--
+
+  "Of thee thy slave in humble attitude thus prays:
+   Sleep on, not worn like me by pervading love."
+
+I then painted on the wall near her a pair of chakravakas in loving
+attitude, gently took off her ring, replacing it with mine, and
+slipped out without disturbing any of the sleepers.
+
+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.
+
+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 Sringalika. 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."
+
+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?"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+In the morning I saw Dhanamittra, told him all that had happened, and
+thanked him for following my directions so punctually.
+
+After this I went to the forest, to see Marichi. 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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+Sringalika had said in my favour.
+
+No great search was made after me, and by keeping quiet and going out
+only at night I escaped further arrest.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+Rajavahana, having heard this story, said "You have indeed shown
+wonderful ingenuity and courage;" then he turned to Upaharavarma, and
+said: "It is now your turn;" and he, having made due salutation, thus
+began:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF UPAHARAVARMA.
+
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"Praharavarma was formerly king of this country. His queen was a very
+dear friend of Vasumati; wife of Rajahansa, 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 Malwa you have
+doubtless heard. It was shortly before that invasion that the visit
+was made. In the battle which was fought, Praharavarma assisted his
+friend, and was taken prisoner, but was subsequently liberated.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"The war was still going on, and at last the king was overcome and
+imprisoned, together with his queen, by his wicked nephew.
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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!"
+
+Then she gave me such food as she had, and I stayed with her, and
+passed the night in that temple.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+In answer to this she told me all the arrangements of the palace, and
+added: "The Queen Kalpasundari, the daughter of the sovereign of
+Kumara, 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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+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.'
+
+"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 Kama. 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.'"
+
+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.
+
+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 Rajavahana 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.
+
+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.
+
+When the proper time arrived, I put on a close-fitting dark dress,
+girded on my sword, and set out on the dangerous enterprise.
+
+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 chakravakas. 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 Kama, what have I done to offend thee, that
+thou thus burnest me and dost not reduce me to ashes?"
+
+Having heard this, I made my appearance, and said: "O lovely lady, do
+you ask how you have offended Kama? 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 Kama 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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"O the wonderful power of magic! Through the skill of the queen, the
+king will obtain a new body fit for a god."
+
+"But is there no danger?"
+
+"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?"
+
+The city was full of such talk as this, and the people awaited with
+impatience the night appointed for the working of the miracle.
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+He answered: "O queen, there is no deceit in me. I will do all that I
+have promised," and he repeated his former oaths.
+
+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."
+
+Then he told me: "My father's brother, Praharavarma, 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.
+
+"I am preparing an army, to be commanded by my brother, for the
+invasion of Pundra without any declaration of war.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+I sent also for Satahali, and said: "You know that I wished to get
+rid of Anantasira, 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Rajavahana 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."
+
+Then turning to Arthapala, he said: "Do you relate your adventures."
+And he immediately began his story in the following manner:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF ARTHAPALA.
+
+
+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 Benares. 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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"The courage which I had shown was observed by the king's chief
+minister, Kamapala, 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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"'There was,' said he, 'formerly at Pushpapuri a very learned and
+pious man, named Dharmapala, 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, Benares, 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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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
+Taravali. 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
+Benares, I heard the cry of a child.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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 Aryadasi, 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.
+
+"Having performed the command of the god, I am permitted by him to
+find you out, and relieve you from your present distress."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.'
+
+"He kept his word, the next day announced the intended marriage to all
+the court, and shortly afterwards publicly gave me his daughter.
+
+"Taravali 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.
+
+"Thus I have for some years lived happily, holding, as you know, a
+very important office."
+
+[End of the story of Kamapala as told to his servant.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"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.
+
+"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 Kamapala, 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 Kamapala 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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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, Taravali, 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.'
+
+"The queen hearing this, immediately told her husband, 'Kamapala has
+quarrelled with his fairy wife, and she has left him. There is nothing
+now to prevent your proceeding against him as you please.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Presently the executioner and his men came, bringing the prisoner, and
+the proclamation was made three times.
+
+"Know all men that this traitor, Kamapala, 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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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 Kamapala to be taken to his own house, where I
+had by that time arrived, and was ready to receive it.
+
+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.
+
+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
+Taravali, 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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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 Kama, or the tutelary goddess of the city, who
+had hidden herself here to avoid the sight of so much wickedness
+above.
+
+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."
+
+"Calm yourself," I answered, "You have nothing to fear from me. I am
+Arthapala, the son of the minister Kamapala 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."
+
+"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 Darpasara, son of the King of Malwa; 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
+Darpasara, 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+When the seizure of the king was known, those who were previously
+well-disposed to my father immediately joined us, and all opposition
+ceased.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF PRAMATI.
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Almost at the same time I felt myself irresistibly overcome by
+drowsiness, and was very soon fast asleep.
+
+When I awoke, I found myself on the bed of leaves once more, alone in
+the gloomy forest, and day was beginning to appear.
+
+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."
+
+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;[6] 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 Arthapala[7] 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, Kamapala; and
+for that sin I was cursed by Durga, 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.
+
+"In my way thither, I passed by this place, saw you about to lie down,
+and heard your prayer to the local deity.
+
+"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
+Navamalika, 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.
+
+"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."
+
+She then warmly embraced me; and saying: "I go with reluctance,
+farewell for the present," she departed.
+
+Having thus found the supposed dream to be a reality, and that the
+lady whom I had seen was the Princess Navamalika, I was confirmed in
+my love, and set out for Sravasti, determined, if possible, to see her
+again.
+
+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 Balaka cock against one of the
+Narikela breed, which is sure to win."
+
+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.
+
+Meanwhile, the birds fought furiously; and there was much vociferation
+on both sides; but, as I had predicted, the Balaka 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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+"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?"
+
+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."
+
+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?"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"There is,"' I answered, "a very important affair, in which you can
+materially assist me. The King of the Sravastans, Dharmavardhana,[8]
+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?"
+
+"What is your plan?" he asked, "and how can I be of service in
+carrying it out?"
+
+"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.
+
+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?"
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.[9]
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF MITRAGUPTA.
+
+
+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?"
+
+He answered: "A long time ago, the king of this country, having no
+children, made many prayers and offerings to the goddess Durga, 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.'
+
+"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 Durga in the
+sight of the people here assembled.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+Just then I heard the tinkling of anklets, and a young lady came to
+the place where we were sitting.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+My new friend, Kosadasa, who had stood near me all the time, invited
+me to his house, where I was most hospitably entertained.
+
+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."
+
+"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 Durga, 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."
+
+After she was gone, Kosadasa 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+"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."
+
+"Very good," I answered; "I am ready to hear them." Then he began:
+
+"What is cruel?"
+
+"A wicked woman's heart."
+
+"What is most to the advantage of a householder?"
+
+"Good qualities in a wife."
+
+"What is love?"
+
+"Imagination."
+
+"What best accomplishes difficult things?"
+
+"Cunning. Dhumini, Gomini, Ratnavati, and Nitambavati," I added, "are
+examples of what I have said."
+
+"Tell me," said he, "who they were, and how they prove the truth of
+your answers?"
+
+"Certainly," I replied; "you shall judge for yourself.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"Upon this he was immediately seized, and, notwithstanding his
+protestations of innocence, condemned to death, and led away to
+execution.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"I say, therefore, there is nothing so cruel as the heart of a wicked
+woman."
+
+The Rakshas appeared to be satisfied with this story, and said: "Go
+on, tell me about Gomini." I continued therefore:
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Therefore I say that the best thing for a householder is to have a
+good wife."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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."
+
+The Rakshas, though appearing to be satisfied with these stories,
+required me to relate that of Nitambavati, which I proceeded to do.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"At this time a guardian or watchman was wanted for the public
+cemetery, and he applied for and obtained the office.
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Meanwhile the rascal took the anklet he had stolen to the husband,
+saying: 'I wish to dispose of this, will you buy it?'
+
+"Recognising the ornament as having been his wife's, he asked: 'Where
+did you get this?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Upon this the merchant went to his wife and said: 'Let me see your
+anklets.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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.'
+
+"Then the magistrates and citizens who were assembled were
+unanimously of opinion that the woman was a Sakini.[10]
+
+"She was therefore divorced from her husband, and condemned to be tied
+to a stake in the cemetery, and left there.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"Shall that monster carry off the lady before our eyes? O that I could
+fly to rescue her!"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF MANTRAGUPTA.
+
+
+My Lord, I also, in my anxiety to find you, wandered about like the
+others.
+
+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?"
+
+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?"
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+Pierced to the heart by the arrows of Kama, 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+In a very short time wonderful stories about me were brought to the
+Raja. "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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+This speech was received with great approbation, and all,
+congratulating me and praising the gods, performed the duties imposed
+upon them.
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+In due time I was publicly married to the princess, and reinstated her
+father in his kingdom.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES OF VISRUTA.
+
+
+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?"
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"To this exhortation the young king appeared to listen attentively;
+and said: 'Such is the teaching of the wise; it ought to be followed.'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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
+puranas, 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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'He is now allowed to take a little amusement, but the time for this
+is restricted to an hour and a half.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"In this manner that wicked wretch obtained great influence over the
+king, and employed it to lead him into all sorts of excesses.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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 Manjuvadini, 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?"
+
+"Who was his mother," I asked. "Of what family was she?"
+
+"She is the daughter of the King of Oude," he answered, "and her
+mother was Sagaradatta, daughter of Vaisravana, a merchant of
+Pataliputra."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+"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 Manjuvadini, and the rejoicings are on this
+account."
+
+After the forester was gone, I said to the old man (whose name was
+Nalijangha): "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."
+
+All this he promised to do, and set off immediately, having first
+received further directions for the guidance of the queen.
+
+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."
+
+The old wretch was delighted at her compliance, and preparations were
+made for the marriage.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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 Durga 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.'"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+Nalijangha, 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."
+
+"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."
+
+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 Vasantabhanu!" 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.
+
+In order to have everything ready for my intended concealment, I had
+gone secretly the day before to the Temple of Durga, 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 Nalijangha.
+
+The assassination of Prachandavarma was universally attributed to his
+enemy, the King of Asmaka, and the first part of the prophecy of
+Durga, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+While they were gazing in bewilderment, I thus addressed them: "The
+great goddess Durga, 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."
+
+Then turning to the queen, I said:--"Receive your child from the hands
+of Durga, who will henceforth protect him as her own son; and by her
+command accept me as the husband of your daughter."
+
+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 Durga."
+
+Upon this all broke out into loud acclamations, saying: "Great is the
+power of the glorious Durga! 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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Manjuvadini, as
+the reward of my services and in obedience to the commands of Durga.
+
+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."
+
+Before, however, making any overtures to him, I desired Nalijangha to
+try him secretly and ascertain his feelings towards me.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+After hearing this from Nalijangha, 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.
+
+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.
+
+[Here the story breaks off abruptly.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+LITERAL TRANSLATIONS.
+
+
+Page 244.
+
+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?"
+
+He replied: "The King of Suhma, called Tungadhanwa, being without
+offspring, begged from the feet of Durga, called Vindhyavasini,[11]
+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
+Medini, 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.
+
+"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 Kama, somewhat consoling myself with the
+soft tones of the lute, occupy a solitary place."
+
+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."
+
+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, Arthadasa, wast called Kosadasa by thy parents, art called
+by thy enemies Vesadasa (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."
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+Meanwhile, the sounds of jewel-anklets arose. Now she, in a hurry,
+said: "My lord's daughter Kandukavati is come to propitiate Durga 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.
+
+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."
+
+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.e._ Kama) 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 Kosadaasa, 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[12] 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 Kama 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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PAGE 36.
+
+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?"
+
+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 Patala.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PAGE 309.
+
+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:--
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROPER NAMES, ETC., OCCURRING IN THE TALES.
+
+
+_Alaka_, a mountain inhabited by Kuvera and the Yakshas.
+
+_Ambalika_, the daughter of Sinhavarma, wife of Mantragupta.
+
+_Amittravarma_, King or Governor of Mahishmati.
+
+_Anantavarma_, King of Vidarba.
+
+_Apaharavarma_, son of Praharavarma, and one of the nine companions of
+  Rajahansa.
+
+_Apsaras_, heavenly females, nearly corresponding with the houris of
+  the Mahometans.
+
+_Arthapala_, son of Kamapala, one of the nine companions of Rajahansa.
+
+_Arthapati_, a merchant at Champa, who wished to marry Kulapalika.
+
+_Aryaketu_, a minister and friend of Visruta.
+
+_Asura_, a general term for various supernatural beings not regarded
+  as gods, but in general hostile to them, nearly the same as the jins
+  or genii of the "Arabian Nights."
+
+_Avantisundari_, daughter of Manasara, wife of Rajavahana.
+
+_Balabhadra_, a merchant, husband of Ratnavati.
+
+_Balachandrika_, wife of Pushpodbhava, and friend of Avantisundari.
+
+_Bandhupala_, a merchant, father of Balachandrika.
+
+_Betel and pawn_, a mixture for chewing, frequently offered in
+  politeness, as snuff with us.
+
+
+_Bheels_, savages, wild tribes, robbers.
+
+_Bhimadhanwa_, brother of Kandukavati.
+
+_Buddhist_, a disciple of Buddha. Buddha was a Hindoo reformer, whose
+  followers were once very numerous in India, but at the date of these
+  stories had been much diminished in number, through the persecutions
+  of the brahmans. They still, however, form a large part of the
+  population of Ceylon, Thibet, China, and some other countries, though
+  the comparatively pure religion of the founder has for the most part
+  degenerated into gross idolatry and unmeaning ceremonies.
+
+_Chakravaka_, name of a bird quoted for affection, as turtle-doves by
+  us.
+
+_Chandala_, a pariah, outcast.
+
+_Chandrasena_, foster-sister of the Princess Kandukavati.
+
+_Chataka_, a bird supposed to be very fond of rain, and to make a loud
+  noise at its approach.
+
+_Dhanamittra_, husband of Kulapalika, friend of Apaharavarma.
+
+_Dharmapala_, one of Rajahansa's ministers.
+
+_Dharmavardhana_, King of Sravasti.
+
+_Durga_ or _Kali_, wife of Siva, a terrific goddess, delighting in
+  human sacrifices.
+
+_Gauri_, wife of Siva.
+
+_Ghee_, liquid butter, or butter which has been liquefied.
+
+_Indra_, the chief of the inferior gods, presiding over the clouds,
+  rain, thunder, &c.
+
+_Kailasa_, a mountain, part of the Himalaya chain.
+
+_Kalahakantaka_, the man who fell in love with a portrait.
+
+_Kalindi_, Queen of Patala, wife of Matanga.
+
+_Kalpasundari_, wife of Vikatavarma, afterwards of Upaharavarma.
+
+_Kama_ or _Kandarpa_, the God of Love.
+
+_Kamamanjari_, the actress who seduced the Muni.
+
+_Kamapala_, son of Dharmapala, minister and son-in-law of the King of
+  Benares.
+
+_Kanakalekha_, daughter of the King of Kalinga, wife of Mantragupta.
+
+_Kandukavati_, the princess who performed the ball-dance.
+
+_Kantaka_, the gaoler killed by Upaharavarma.
+
+_Kantimati_, the wife of Kamapala, mother of Arthapala.
+
+_Kirata_, a savage, forester, Bheel.
+
+_Kosadasa_, lover of Chandrasena.
+
+_Kusa-grass_, a scented grass, much used at sacrifices for laying
+  offerings on, &c.
+
+_Kuvera_, the God of Wealth, whose attendants were the Yakshas.
+
+_Magadha_, the kingdom of Rajahansa.
+
+_Mahakala_, a famous temple of Siva, the object of many pilgrimages.
+
+_Mahishmati_, name of a city.
+
+_Malaya_, a mountain, or range of mountains, having many sandal trees,
+  the perfume from which was supposed to be carried a long distance by
+  the wind.
+
+_Malwa_, the kingdom of Manasara.
+
+_Manapala_, the officer who guarded Vamalochana.
+
+_Manasara_, King of Malwa, conqueror of Rajahansa.
+
+_Manibhadra_, a Yaksha, father of Taravali.
+
+_Manjuvadini_, daughter of Anantavarma, wife of Visruta.
+
+_Mantra_, a verse or chapter in the vedas, any prayer or words recited
+  as a charm.
+
+_Marichi_, a great muni seduced by Kamamanjari.
+
+_Matanga_, a brahman who went down to Patala together with Rajavahana.
+
+_Mithila_, a city or country, called also Videha.
+
+_Mitragupta_, one of the nine companions of Rajavahana.
+
+_Muni_, a holy man devoted to study, meditation, and penance.
+
+_Nalijangha_, the old man whom Visruta rescued from the well.
+
+_Narayana_, a name of Vishnu, an incarnation of the three principal
+  gods, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva.
+
+_Navamalika_, daughter of the King of Sravasti, wife of Pramati.
+
+_Padmodbhava_, one of Rajahansa's ministers.
+
+_Patala_, a fabulous subterranean country.
+
+_Prachandavarma_, King or Governor of Mahishmati, killed by Visruta.
+
+_Praharavarma_, King of Mithila, father of Apaharavarma and
+  Upaharavarma.
+
+_Priyamvada_, Queen of Praharavarma.
+
+_Purnabhadra_, the reformed robber, servant of Kamapala.
+
+_Pushpapuri_, the capital of Magadha.
+
+_Ragamanjari_, an actress, sister of Kamamanjari.
+
+_Rajahansa_, king of Magadha, father of Rajavahana, the hero of the
+  story.
+
+_Rakshas_ or _Rakshasas_, evil spirits or ogres, hostile to men, whom
+  they used to devour.
+
+_Rati_, a goddess, wife of Kama.
+
+_Rishi_, nearly the same as Muni, a holy man retired from the world,
+  devoted to prayer and meditation.
+
+_Satyavarma_, son of a minister of Rajahansa, and father of Somadatta.
+
+_Savara_, fem. _Savari_, a savage, not a Hindoo.
+
+_Siddha_ (literally perfected), a very holy devotee.
+
+_Simanta_, a religious ceremony performed on behalf of a woman at a
+  certain period of pregnancy.
+
+_Sinhaghosha_, the deposed King of Benares.
+
+_Sinhavarma_, King of Anga, father of Ambalika.
+
+_Sitavarma_, one of Rajahansa's ministers.
+
+_Sringalika_, the nurse of Ragamanjari.
+
+_Siva_, one of the three chief gods or triad of the Hindoos, Brahma,
+  Siva, and Vishnu, who are sometimes regarded as one, sometimes
+  confounded with each other.
+
+_Sumantra_, son of Dharmapala.
+
+_Susruta_, son of Padmodbhava.
+
+_Taravali_, a Yaksha lady, wife of Kamapala.
+
+_Vamadeva_, a holy man consulted by Rajahansa.
+
+_Vamalochana_, daughter of Viraketu, wife of Somadatta.
+
+_Vasumati_, Queen of Rajahansa.
+
+_Vasundhara_, Queen of Anantavarma the King of Vidarba.
+
+_Vidarba_, name of a country.
+
+_Videha_, a country called also Mithila.
+
+_Vidyadhara_, one of the numerous demigods.
+
+_Vidyeswara_, the conjuror who married Rajavahana to Avantisundari.
+
+_Vikatavarma_, King of Mithila, husband of Kalpasundari.
+
+_Vimardaka_, a keeper of a gaming house, employed by Apaharavarma.
+
+_Viraketu_, King of Patali, father of Vamalochana.
+
+_Yaksha_, a sort of demigod or fairy, a servant of Kuvera.
+
+_Yama_, God and Judge of the Infernal Regions.
+
+_Yati_, an ascetic, a devotee.
+
+_Yavana_, a Greek, an Arabian--any foreigner.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: A religious ceremony on behalf of a woman at a certain
+period of pregnancy.]
+
+[Footnote 2: The Hindoos attach much importance to certain marks on
+the body, such as the lines on the hands, &c.]
+
+[Footnote 3: Kusa-grass, or kuskus, is used for strewing the floor of
+a sacrificial enclosure, for laying offerings on, and for other sacred
+uses.]
+
+[Footnote 4: To be pushed in through opening in a wall, so as to
+receive any blow which might be given.]
+
+[Footnote 5: To be let loose that it might put out the lights.]
+
+[Footnote 6: Hindoo women, when absent from their husbands, always
+wear, or used to wear, their hair done up into a single braid.]
+
+[Footnote 7: 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 Kamapala. The
+confusion of names is, however, of little importance, since the
+adventures of Arthapala and Pramati are quite distinct.]
+
+[Footnote 8: Increaser of virtue.]
+
+[Footnote 9: It was considered a very great sin to be, even
+indirectly, the cause of the death of a brahman.]
+
+[Footnote 10: 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.]
+
+[Footnote 11: The inhabitant of Vindhya.]
+
+[Footnote 12: Resembling tendrils.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Hindoo Tales, by Translated by P. W. Jacob
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