HINDOO TALES _OR, THE ADVENTURES OF TEN PRINCES_part-2

 

"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 affect 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.