HINDOO TALES

_OR, THE ADVENTURES OF TEN PRINCES_

FREELY TRANSLATED FROM THE SANSCRIT OF THE DASAKUMARACHARITAM

BY P. W. JACOB

STRAHAN & CO. 56 LUDGATE HILL, LONDON

1873

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 

The Sanscrit work entitled "Dasakumaracharitam, or the Adventures ofTen Princes, " though printed more than twenty-five years ago, has not, as far as I can ascertain, been translated into any European language. Many parts of it are written in such a turgid "Oriental" style, that aclose translation would be quite unsuitable to the English reader. Such passages have therefore been much condensed; others, which arehardly decent--or, as in the speech of the parasite in the last story, tedious and uninteresting, have been omitted; but in general theoriginal has been pretty closely adhered to, and nothing has beenadded to it. 

The exact date of the composition of the "Dasakumaracharitam" is notknown. It is supposed to have been written about the end of theeleventh century, and was left unfinished by the author; but as thestory of the last narrator is almost finished, not much could havebeen wanting to complete the work, and the reader may easily imaginewhat the conclusion would have been. 

Some of the incidents correspond with those of the "Arabian Nights, "but the stories on the whole are quite different from anything foundthere, and give a lively picture of Hindoo manners and morals. Unscrupulous deception, ready invention, extreme credulity andsuperstition, and disregard of human life, are strongly illustrated. 

The belief in the power of penance, which was supposed to confer onthe person practising it not merely personal sanctity, but even greatsupernatural powers, was very generally entertained among the Hindoos, and is often alluded to here; as is also transmigration, or the birthof the soul after death in a new body, human or brute. Sufferings ormisfortunes are attributed to sins committed in a former existence, and in more than one story two persons are supposed to recollecthaving many years before lived together as husband and wife. 

Much use also is made of the agency of supernatural beings; forbesides numerous gods, the Hindoos believe, or at least believed, inthe existence of innumerable beings, in some degree immortal, butliable to be killed even by men, swarming in the air, generallyinvisible, but sometimes assuming a human or a more terrible form;occasionally beneficent, but more commonly injurious to human beings. 

At the time when the original work was written, India appears to havebeen divided into a large number of small kingdoms or principalities, the rulers of which are here termed "Rāja, " a word almost adopted intoour language, but which. I have rendered by the equivalent and morefamiliar term "King. "

The numerous uncouth names, which cannot well be shortened ortranslated, will, it is feared, cause some annoyance to the reader. Asmany as possible have been omitted, and of those which occur a list isgiven in the Appendix, together with a few terms which seemed torequire explanation. This will save the reader the trouble of, referring, when a name recurs, to the place where it is firstmentioned in order to find out to whom it belongs. 

The Appendix also contains a few pages of a very close literaltranslation, which will enable the reader to form some idea of thenature and style of the original, and to see how far it has beendeparted from in the preceding pages. 

P. W. J. 

GUILDFORD, _December_, 1872. 

PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES. 

The vowel _ā_, is always to be pronounced as in father. 

The vowel _a_, as in America, or as u in dull, i in bird, &c. 

The vowel _e_, always as a in cake. 

The vowel _ķ_, as e in cede, or ee in reed. 

The vowel _i_, as in pin. 

The vowel _ś_, as in flute. 

The vowel _u_, as in bull. 

Pati is therefore pronounced putty, &c. 

CONTENTS. 

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 

ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA. 

ADVENTURES OF PUSHPODBHAVA. 

MARRIAGE OF AVANTISUNDARI. 

FURTHER ADVENTURES OF RĀJAVĀHANA. 

ADVENTURES OF APAHĀRAVARMA. 

ADVENTURES OF UPAHĀRAVARMA. 

ADVENTURES OF ARTHAPĀLA. 

ADVENTURES OF PRAMATI. 

ADVENTURES OF MITRAGUPTA. 

ADVENTURES OF MANTRAGUPTA. 

ADVENTURES OF VISRUTA. 

LITERAL TRANSLATIONS. 

PROPER NAMES OCCURRING IN THE TALES. 

There was formerly, in the most fertile part of India, a city calledPushpapuri, the capital of Magadha, magnificent as a mine of jewels, abounding in every kind of wealth, surpassing all other cities insplendour and prosperity. 

The sovereign of this city and country was Rājahansa, whose armieswere formidable with countless elephants and horses, whose glory wasunsullied as the moon in a cloudless sky, or the plumage of the swan, and whose fame was sung even by celestial minstrels. Though a terrorto his enemies, he was beloved by all his subjects, and especially bythe learned and pious brahmans, who were continually employed inprayers and sacrifices to the gods, for the welfare of the king andhis people. 

The queen Vasumati was worthy of such a husband. She was of high birthand of a sweet temper, and so great was her beauty that it seemed asif the god of love had formed her for his own special delight, byuniting in her single person everything that is most beautiful in theworld. 

Among the king's counsellors were three appointed to the highestoffices of state, men of great probity and intelligence, who had beenlong in his father's service and enjoyed his entire confidence. Theirnames were, Dharmapāla, Padmodbhava, and Sitavarma. 

The first of these had three sons, Sumantra, Sumittra, and Kāmapāla;the second, two, Susruta and Ratnodbhava; and the last had also two, Sumati and Satyavarma. 

Of these sons the last-mentioned renounced worldly cares andemployments, devoted himself to religious meditation, and leaving homeas a pilgrim, travelled into many countries in order to visit the holyplaces which they contained. 

Kāmapāla was of an opposite character; he thought only of presentpleasure, frequented the company of gamblers and harlots, and roamedabout the world seeking amusement and dissipation. 

Ratnodbhava became a merchant, and in the way of traffic made manylong journeys by land and sea. The other sons, after their fathers'death, succeeded to their offices, according to the custom of thecountry. When Rājahansa had reigned some years, war broke out betweenhim and the king of the adjoining country of Mālwa, the haughty andambitious Mānasāra, whom he marched to encounter with a numerous army, making the earth tremble with the tread of his elephants, anddisturbing even the dwellers in the sky with the clang of kettledrumslouder than the roar of the stormy ocean. 

Both armies were animated by equal rage, and terrible was the battle;the ground where they met was first turned to dust by the wheels ofthe chariots and the trampling of men and beasts, and then into mudthrough the streams of blood which flowed from the slain and wounded. 

At last Rājahansa was victorious, the enemy was completely defeated, their king taken prisoner, and all Mālwa lay open to the conqueror. He, however, having no wish to enlarge his dominions, released hisprisoner on very easy terms, and returning to Pushpapuri, thought onlyof governing his own kingdom in peace, not expecting after suchgenerous treatment any further trouble from his ambitious neighbour. 

Though prosperous and happy in every other respect, the King ofMagadha had one great cause of sorrow and anxiety--he had no son tosucceed him. Therefore, at this time he made many prayers andofferings to Nārāyana the Creator of the World, who, having been thuspropitiated, signified to the queen in a dream that she would bear ason; and not long afterwards her husband was gratified by the news ofher pregnancy. 

When the proper time arrived the king celebrated the ceremony calledSimanta[1] with great magnificence, and invited several of theneighbouring kings to be present on the occasion; among them was theKing of Mithila, with his queen, a great friend of Vasumati--tocongratulate whom she had accompanied her husband. 

One day after this, when the king was sitting in council with hisministers, he was informed that a certain venerable Yati was desirousto see him. On his admission the king perceived that he was one of hissecret emissaries; dismissing, therefore, the rest of the counsellors, he withdrew to a private apartment, followed by one or two of his mostconfidential ministers and the supposed Yati. He, bowing down to theground, said in answer to the king's inquiry, "In order the better toperform your Majesty's commands, I have adopted this safe disguise, and have resided for some time in the capital of Mālwa, from whence Inow bring very important news. The haughty Mānasāra, brooding over hisdefeat, unmindful of your generous forbearance, and only anxious towipe off his disgrace, has been for a long time endeavouring topropitiate with very severe penance the mighty Siva, whose temple isat Mahākāla, and he has so far succeeded that the god has given him amagic club, very destructive of life and conducive to victory. "

"Through this weapon, and the favour of Siva, he now thinks himself amatch for you. He has for some time been strengthening his army, andwill probably very soon invade this country. Your Majesty havingreceived this information, will decide what ought to be done. "

On hearing this report the ministers consulted together and said tothe king, "This enemy is coming against us favoured by the gods, andyou cannot hope to resist him; we therefore advise that you shouldavoid fighting, and retire with your family and treasure to a strongfortress. "

Although they urged this advice with many reasons, it was notacceptable to the king, who determined to march at the head of hisarmy against the invaders. When, however, the enemy had actuallyentered the country, the ministers succeeded in persuading theirmaster to send away the queen and her attendants, and a part of thetreasure, to a strong fortress in the forest of Vindhya, guarded byveteran soldiers. 

Presently the two armies met, the battle raged furiously, andMānasāra, eagerly seeking out his former conqueror, at lastencountered his chariot. Wielding the magic club, with one blow heslew the charioteer and caused the king to fall down senseless. 

The horses being freed from control, suddenly turned round, dashed offat full speed from the field, and never stopped till, utterlyexhausted, they had dragged the chariot with the still insensible kingvery near to the fortress to which the queen had retreated. 

Meanwhile, some of the fugitives from the battle, having reached thefortress, told the queen what had happened, and she, overwhelmed bygrief at the death of her husband, determined not to survive him. Perceiving her purpose, the old brahmans and faithful counsellors, whohad accompanied her, endeavoured, to dissuade her, saying, "Oglorious lady, we have no certain information of the king's death:moreover, learned astrologers have declared that the child to be bornof you is destined to become a mighty sovereign, therefore do not actrashly or end so precious a life while the least hope remains. "

Apparently influenced by these reasons, eloquently urged, the queenremained silent, and seemed to renounce her purpose, but at midnight, unable to sleep, and oppressed by intolerable grief, she rose up, andevading her sleeping attendants and the guards outside, went into theforest, and there, after many passionate lamentations and prayers thatshe might rejoin her beloved husband, she formed a rope by twisting apart of her dress, and was preparing to hang herself with it from thebranch of a tree, very near to the place where the chariot wasstanding concealed by the thick foliage. 

Just then the king, revived by the cool night wind, recoveredconsciousness, and hearing his wife's voice, softly called her byname. She, hardly believing her senses for joy, cried out loudly forhelp, and soon brought to her assistance some of the attendants, whocarried him gently into the fort, where his wounds were dressed andfound not to be dangerous. 

After a short time, more of those who had escaped joined the king; andwhen he was sufficiently recovered, the charming Vasumati, instructedby the ministers, said to him, "All your dominions are lost exceptthis fortress; but such is the power of fate; prosperity, like abubble on the water, or a flash of lightning, appears and disappearsin a moment. Former kings, Rāmachandra and others, at least as greatas yourself, were deprived of their kingdoms, and suffered for a longtime the hardships of adversity; yet, through patience andperseverance and the will of fate, they were at last restored to alltheir former splendour. Do you therefore imitate them, and, layingaside all anxiety, devote yourself to prayer and meditation. "

To this advice the king gave ear, and went to consult a verycelebrated rishi, Vāmadeva, intending, under his directions, to engagein such penance as might lead to the accomplishment of his wishes. 

Having been well received by the holy man, he said to him: "O father, having heard of your great piety and wisdom, I have come hither forguidance and help in a great calamity. Mānasāra, King of Mālwa, hasovercome me, and now holds the kingdom which ought to be mine. I willshrink from no penance which you shall advise, if by such means I mayobtain the favour of the gods, and be restored to my former power. "

Vāmadeva, well acquainted with all past, present, and future events, thus answered him: "O friend, there is no need of penance in yourcase; only wait patiently; a son will certainly be born to you whowill crush all your enemies and restore your fortunes. " Then a voicewas heard in the air, saying, "This is true. "

The king, fully believing the prophecy of the muni, thus miraculouslyconfirmed, returned to the forest, resolved to await patiently thefulfilment of the promise; and shortly afterwards the queen broughtforth a son possessing all good marks, [2] to whom his father gave thename of Rājavāhana. 

About the same time also sons were born to his four ministers. Theywere named severally Pramati, Mitragupta, Mantragupta, and Visruta, and were brought up together with the young prince. 

Some time after the birth of these children, a certain muni brought avery beautiful boy to the king, and said: "Having gone lately into theforest to collect kusa-grass[3] and fuel, I met a woman, evidently ingreat distress. When I questioned her, she wiped away her tears, andtold me, with a voice broken by sobs, that she was a servant ofPrahāravarma, King of Mithila--that he, with his family, had gone toPushpapuri, to be present at the Simanta festival of the queen, andhad stayed there some time after the departure of the other guests;that at that time the King of Mālwa, furnished with a magic weapon, had invaded the country; that in the battle which ensued, Prahāravarmahad assisted his friend with the few soldiers who accompanied him, andhad been taken prisoner, but had been liberated by the conqueror; thaton his return he had been attacked in the forest by Bheels, and hadrepulsed them with difficulty. 'I and my daughter, ' she continued, 'who had charge of the king's twin children, were separated from therest in the confusion, and lost our way in the forest. There wesuddenly came upon a tiger. In my fright, I stumbled and fell, anddropped the child, which I was carrying, on the carcase of a cow withwhich the tiger had been engaged. At that moment an arrow struck andkilled the tiger. I fainted away, and when I recovered, I found myselfquite alone; my daughter had disappeared, and the child, as I suppose, was carried off by the Bheels, who shot the beast. After a time I wasfound by a compassionate cowherd, who took care of me till my woundswere healed; and I am now wandering about in the hope of finding theboy, and of hearing some tidings of my daughter and the other child. 'After giving me this account, she went on her way again, and I, distressed that the son of your majesty's friend should be in suchhands, determined to set out in search of him. 

"After some days I came to a small temple of Durgā, where a party ofBheels were about to make the child an offering to the goddess, inthe hope of obtaining success through her favour; and they were thendeliberating in what manner they should kill him, whether by hanginghim on the branch of a tree and cutting him to pieces with swords, orby partly burying him in the ground and shooting at him with arrows, or by worrying him with young dogs. 

"Then I went up to them very humbly, and said: 'O Kirātas, I am an oldbrahman; having lost my way in the forest, I laid down my child whom Iwas carrying, while I went away for a moment to try to find an openingout of the dense thicket; when I came back he was gone. I have beensearching for him ever since; have you seen him?' 'Is this yourchild?' said they. 'O yes!' I exclaimed. 'Take him, then, ' theyreplied; 'we respect a brahman. ' Thus I got possession of the boy, and, blessing them for their kindness, took him away as quickly aspossible, and have now brought him here, thinking he will be bestunder your majesty's protection. "

The king, though grieved at the calamity of his friend, rejoiced thatthe child was saved from such a death; and giving him the name ofUpahāravarma, had him brought up as his own son. 

Not long after this, Rājahansa went to bathe at a holy place, and inreturning, as he passed by a group of Chandālas, he observed a womancarrying a very beautiful boy. Being struck by the appearance of thechild, he said "Where did you get this beautiful boy, who is like aking's son? Surely he is not your own child! pray tell me. "

She answered: "When the Bheels attacked and plundered the King ofMithila near our village, this child was picked up and brought to meby my husband, and I have taken care of him ever since. "

The king being convinced that this was the other child of his friend, the King of Mithila, by fair words and gifts induced the woman to givehim up, and took him to the queen, giving him the name ofApahāravarma, and begging her to bring him up with her own son. 

Soon afterwards, a disciple of Vāmadeva brought a beautiful boy to theking, and said "As I was returning from a pilgrimage to Rāmatirtha, Isaw an old woman carrying this child, and asked her how she came to bewandering there. In answer to my questions, she told me her story, saying, 'I was the servant of a rich man, named Kālagupta, living inthe island of Kālayavana, and I waited on his daughter Suvritta. Oneday a young merchant, named Ratnodbhava, son of a minister of theKing of Magadha, arrived in the island, and having become acquaintedwith my master, he married his beautiful daughter. 

"'After some time, he was desirous of visiting his family, and beingunwilling to leave behind his young wife, who was then not far fromchildbirth, he took her with him, and me as her nurse. 

"'We embarked on board a ship, and had at first a favourable voyage;but when approaching the land, we were overtaken by a storm, and agreat wave broke over the ship, which went down almost immediately. Ifound myself in the water near my young mistress, and managed tosupport her till we got hold of a plank, by means of which we at lastreached the shore. Whether my master was saved or not I do not know, but I fear that he perished with the rest of those on board, whom wenever saw again. 

"'The coast where we landed appeared to be uninhabited, and the poorlady, being unable to walk far, after much suffering of mind and body, gave birth to this child under a tree in the forest. I have just lefther, in the hope of finding some village where I may obtainassistance; and by her wish I have brought the child with me, sinceshe is incapable of taking care of it. '

"The woman had hardly finished speaking when a wild elephant, breakingthrough the bushes, came suddenly upon us, and she was so frightenedthat she let the child fall, and ran away. 

"I hid myself behind a tree, and saw the elephant take up the childwith his trunk, as if about to put it into its mouth. At that momenthe was attacked by a lion, and let the child fall. When the two beastshad moved from the spot, I came from my hiding-place just in time tosee the child taken up by a monkey, who ran up a high tree. Presentlythe beast let the child drop, and as it fell on a leafy branch, I tookit up uninjured by the fall, or the other rough treatment which it hadreceived. 

"After searching for the woman some time in vain, I took the child tomy master, the great muni Vāmadeva, and I have now brought it to youby his command. "

The king, astonished at the preservation of the child under suchadverse circumstances, and hoping that Ratnodbhava might have escapedfrom the shipwreck, sent for Susruta to take charge of his brother'schild, to whom he gave the name of Pushpodbhava. 

Some days after this the queen went up to her husband with a child inher arms, and told him, when he expressed his surprise "Last night Iwas suddenly awakened from sleep and saw a beautiful lady standingbefore me, holding this child. She said to me: 'O queen, I am aYaksha, daughter of Manibhadra, and wife of Kāmapāla, the son of yourhusband's late minister, Dharmapāla; by command of Kuvera, I havebrought this my child to you, that he may enter the service of yourson, who is destined to become a mighty monarch. '

"I was too much astonished to ask her any question, and she, havinglaid down the child near me, disappeared. "

The king, greatly surprised, especially that Kāmapāla should havemarried a Yaksha, sent for the child's uncle, Sumittra, and committedthe boy to his care, giving him the name of Arthapāla. 

Not long after this another disciple of Vāmadeva brought a verybeautiful child to the king, and said: "My lord, I have lately been ona pilgrimage to several holy places, and on my way back, happening tobe on the bank of the river Kāvari, I saw a woman carrying this child, and evidently in great distress. On being questioned by me, she wipedaway her tears, and with difficulty told me her story, saying, 'Obrahman, Satyavarma, the youngest son of Sitavarma, a minister of theKing of Magadha, after travelling about a long time, visiting all holyplaces as a pilgrim, came to this country, and here married aBrahman's daughter, named Kāli. Having no children by her, he took ashis second wife her sister Gaurķ, and by her he had one son, thischild. 

"'Then the first wife, envious of her sister, determined to destroythe child; and having, with some false pretence, enticed me, when Iwas carrying the child, to the bank of the river, she pushed us in. Icontrived to hold my charge with one hand, and to swim with the othertill I met with an uprooted tree carried down by the rapid current. Tothis I clung, and after floating a long distance, was able at last toland at this place; but in getting away from the tree I disturbed ablack serpent which had taken refuge there, and having been bitten byit, I now feel that I am dying. ' As she spoke, the poison began totake greater effect, and she fell on the ground. 

"After trying in vain the power of charms, I went to look for someherb which might serve as an antidote; but when I returned the poorcreature was dead. 

"I was much perplexed at this occurrence, especially as she had nottold me the name of the village from which she came, nor could Iconjecture how far off it might be, so that I was unable to take thechild to its father. 

"Therefore, after collecting wood and burning the body, I have broughtthe child to you, thinking that he will be best taken care of underyour protection. "

The king, astonished that so many children should have been brought insuch a wonderful manner, and distressed at not knowing where to findSatyavarma, gave the child the name of Somadatta, and committed him tothe care of his uncle, Sumati, who received him with great affection. 

These nine boys, thus wonderfully collected together, became theassociates and play-fellows of the young prince, and were educatedtogether with him. 

When they were all nearly seventeen, their education was regarded ascomplete, for they had not only been taught the vedas and thecommentaries on them, several languages, grammar, logic, philosophy, &c. , but were well acquainted with poetry, plays, and all sorts oftales and stories; were accomplished in drawing and music, skilled ingames, sleight of hand and various tricks, and practised in the use ofweapons. They were also bold riders and drivers of horses andelephants; and even clever thieves, able to steal without detection;so that Rājahansa was exceedingly delighted at seeing his sonsurrounded by a band of such brave, active, clever companions andfaithful followers. One day about this time Vāmadeva came to visitthe king, by whom he was received with great respect and reverence. Seeing the prince perfect in beauty, strength, and accomplishments, and surrounded by such companions, he said to Rājahansa: "Your wishfor a son has indeed been fully gratified, since you have one who isall that you could desire. It is now time for him to go out into theworld and prepare himself for the career of conquest to which he isdestined. ". 

The king listened respectfully to the advice of the muni, anddetermined to be guided by it; having therefore given his son goodadvice, he sent him forth at a propitious hour, to travel about insearch of adventure, accompanied by his nine friends. 

After travelling for some days, they entered the forest of Vindhya, and when halting there for the night they saw a rough-looking man, having all the appearance of a Bheel, but wearing the sacred cordwhich is the characteristic of a brahman. 

The prince, surprised at such an incongruity, asked him who he was, how he came to be living in such a wild place, and how, with all theappearance of a forester, he was wearing the brahminical cord. 

The man, seeming to be aware that his questioner was a person ofimportance, answered respectfully, "O prince, there are in this forestcertain nominal brahmans, who, having abandoned the study of thevedas, religious obligations, and family duties, are devoted to allsorts of sinful practices, and act as leaders of robber bands, associating with their followers and living as they live. 

"I, Matanga by name, am the son of one of these, and was brought upto be a robber like them. Since I have been grown up I have oftenassisted in plundering expeditions, when they would fall suddenly onsome defenceless village, and carry away not only all the property onwhich they could lay their hands, but several of the richest of theinhabitants, whom they would keep prisoners till a ransom had beenpaid, or till, compelled by torture, they confessed where their moneywas concealed. 

"On one of these occasions, when my companions were ill-treating abrahman, I was seized by a sudden feeling of compassion andremonstrated with them. Finding words of no avail, I stood before him, and was killed by my own men while fighting on his behalf. 

"After death I went down to the regions below, and was taken beforeYama, the judge of the dead, sitting on a great throne inlaid withjewels. 

"When the god saw me prostrate before him he called one of hisattendants and said: 'The time for this man's death is not arrived, and moreover, he was killed in defending a brahman; therefore, aftershowing him the tortures of the wicked, let him return to his formerbody, in which he will in future lead a holy life. '

"By him I was shown some sinners tied to red-hot iron bars, somethrown into great tubs of boiling oil, some beaten with clubs, somecut to pieces with swords; after which my spirit re-entered the body, and I awoke to consciousness, lying alone, grievously wounded, in theforest. 

"In this state I was found by some of my relations, who carried mehome and took care of me till my wounds were healed. 

"Shortly after this I met with the brahman whom I had rescued, and he, grateful for the service which I had rendered him, read to me somereligious books, and taught me the due performance of religious rites, especially the proper way of worshipping Siva. 

"When he considered me sufficiently instructed, he quitted me, givingme his blessing, and receiving many thanks from me for his kindness. 

"Since then I have separated myself from all my former associates, andhave lived a life of penance and meditation in this forest, endeavouring to atone for my past sins, and especially seeking, topropitiate the mighty deity who has the half-moon for his crest; andnow, having told you my history, I have something to communicatewhich concerns you alone, and beg you to withdraw with me to hear itin private. "

The two then went aside from the rest of the party, and the strangersaid, "O prince, last night, during sleep, Siva appeared to me andaddressed me thus: 'Matanga, I am pleased with your devotions; theyshall now have their reward. North of this place, on the bank of theriver which flows through the Dandaka forest, there is a remarkablerock, glittering with crystal and marked with the footsteps of Gaurķ. Go thither; in the side of the rock you will see a yawning chasm, enter it and search till you find a copper plate with letters engravedon it; follow the directions therein contained, and you will becomeKing of Pātāla. That you may know this not to be a mere dream, aking's son will come to this place to-morrow, and he will be yourcompanion in the journey. '

"I have in consequence anxiously awaited your coming, and now entreatyou to go with me to the place pointed out in the vision. "

The curiosity of the prince was much excited by Matanga's story, andhe readily promised to be his companion; fearing, however, that hisfriends would be opposed to his purpose, he did not on his return tellthem anything of what he had heard, and at midnight, when they wereall fast asleep, he slipped away without disturbing them, and went tojoin Matanga, who was waiting for him at a place which had been agreedon, and the two walked on till they came to the rock indicated by Sivain the vision. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the party, uneasy at the disappearance of theprince, sought for him all over the forest, and not finding him, determined to disperse, and continue the search in differentcountries; and having arranged where to meet again, took leave of eachother, and set out separately in different directions. 

Matanga, entirely believing the vision, and rendered still moreconfident by the companionship of the prince, fearlessly entered thecavern, found the copper plate and read the words engraved on it. Following the directions therein contained, they went on in darkness, groping their way through long passages, till at last they saw lightbefore them and arrived at the subterranean country of Pātāla. 

After walking some distance further, they came to a small lake, surrounded by trees, with a city in view. 

Here they stopped, and Matanga begging the prince to watch and guardagainst interruption, collected a quantity of wood and lighted a largefire, into which he threw himself with many charms and incantations, and presently came forth with a new body full of youth, beauty, andvigour, to the great astonishment of his companion. 

Hardly was this change effected, when they saw coming towards themfrom the city a procession, headed by a beautiful young ladysplendidly dressed, and adorned with very costly jewels. ApproachingMatanga, she made a low obeisance, and, without speaking, put a veryprecious gem into his hand. Being questioned by him, she answered, with tears in her eyes and in a soft musical voice, "O excellentbrahman, I am the daughter of a chief of Asuras, and my name isKalindķ; my father, the ruler of this subterranean world, was slainby Vishnu whom he had offended, and as he had no son, I was left hisheir and successor, and suffered great distress and perplexity. 

"Some time ago I consulted a very holy Siddha, who had compassion onme, and told me, 'After a time, a certain mortal, having a heavenlybody, will come down here from the upper world; he will become yourhusband, and reign prosperously with you over all Pātāla'. 

"Trusting to this prophecy, I have waited impatiently, longing foryour coming as a Chātaka longs for rain, and am now come, with theconsent of my ministers and people, to offer you my hand and kingdom. "

Matanga, delighted at such a speedy fulfilment of the promise given inthe vision, gladly accepted her offer, and with the approbation ofhis companion, was soon afterwards married to her amid greatfestivity. 

Rājavāhana was treated with great respect and kindness by Matanga andhis bride; but after seeing all the wonders of the place, hiscuriosity was satisfied, and he was desirous of returning to the upperworld. 

At his departure, a magic jewel was given him by Kalindķ, which hadthe power of keeping off from the possessor of it hunger, thirst, fatigue, and other discomforts; and Matanga accompanied him for a partof the way. Walking through darkness as before, the prince at lastreached the mouth of the cavern and came forth into the open air. 

Having missed all his companions, he was uncertain where to direct hissteps, and wandered on till he came to a large park, outside a city, where a great concourse of people was assembled, and he there sat downto rest. 

As he sat watching the various groups, he saw a young man enter thepark, accompanied by a lady and followed by a numerous retinue, andthey both got into one of the swings placed there for the amusement ofthe festal crowd. 

Presently the eye of the new-comer rested on the prince; with signs ofgreat joy he jumped down, exclaiming, "O what happiness! That is mylord Rājavāhana, " and, running to him, bowed down to his feet, saying"Great is my good fortune in meeting you again. " Rājavāhana, affectedby equal pleasure, warmly embraced him, saying, "O my dear friendSomadatta, how happy I am to see you once more!"

Then they sat down together under a shady tree, and the princeinquired: "What have you been doing all this time? Where have youbeen? Who is this lady? And how did you get all these attendants?"Somadatta, thus questioned, began the recital of what he had done andseen. 

 * * * * *

ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA. 

My lord, having great anxiety on your account, I wandered about invarious countries. One day, when stooping to drink from a cool, clearstream, near a forest, I saw something bright under the water, andhaving taken it up, found it to be a ruby of very great value. 

Exhausted by fatigue and the scorching heat of the sun, I went into asmall temple to rest, and saw there a brahman with a number ofchildren, all looking wretched and half-starved. He seemed to regardme as a possible benefactor, and when questioned, readily told me hisstory; how his wife had died, leaving him with the care of all thesechildren, and how, having no means of subsistence, he had wanderedabout in the hope of obtaining some employment; but had got nothingbetter than the charge of this small temple, where the offerings werenot sufficient to support him and his family. 

I asked him--"What is that camp which I see at some distance?"

He answered--"The Lord of Lāta, Mattakāla by name, hearing again andagain of the great beauty of Vāmalochana, daughter of Vķraketu, sovereign of this country, asked her in marriage, and was refused. Being determined to obtain her, he raised an army and besieged Pātali, the capital city. Vķraketu finding himself unable to resist the enemy, purchased peace by giving up his daughter, and Mattakāla, thinkingthat the marriage can be celebrated with greater magnificence in hisown country, has deferred it till his return. He is now on his wayhome with a small part of his army, the rest having been dismissed;and he is staying at present near this forest to enjoy the pleasuresof the chase. The princess is not with her intended husband, but underthe care of Mānapāla, one of her father's officers, who is said to bevery indignant at the surrender of the lady; you may see his camp atno great distance from the other. "

While thanking the poor man for his information, a thought came intomy mind--here is a very poor and deserving man, I will give him thejewel which I have found; and I did so. 

He received the gift with profuse thanks, and set out immediately totry to dispose of it; while I lay down there to sleep. 

After a time I was awakened by a great clamour, and saw the brahmancoming towards me with his hands tied behind him, driven along, withblows of a whip and much abuse, by a party of soldiers. 

On seeing me, he called out, "There is the thief; that is the man whogave me the jewel. "

Upon this the soldiers let him go, and, seizing me, refused to listento my remonstrances, or to my account of the manner in which I hadfound the ruby. They dragged me along with them, and having putfetters on my feet, thrust me into a dungeon, saying, "There are yourcompanions, " pointing at the same time to some other prisonersconfined in that place. 

When I recovered my senses--for I was half stunned by the violencewith which I had been pushed in--I said to my fellow-prisoners, "Whoare you, and what did the soldiers mean by calling you my companions?for you are quite strangers to me. "

Those prisoners then told me the story of the King of Lāta, which Ihad already heard from the brahman, and further said, "We were sent byMānapāla to assassinate that king, and broke into the place where wesupposed him to be. Not finding him, we were unwilling to come awayempty-handed; we therefore carried off everything of value within ourreach and made our escape to the forest. The next morning there was anactive pursuit, our hiding-place was discovered, we were all captured, and the stolen property taken from us, with the exception of one rubyof great value, which had disappeared. The king is exceedingly angrythat this cannot be found; our assertion that we have lost it isdisbelieved, and we are threatened with torture to-morrow, unless wesay where it is hidden. "

Having heard the robbers' story, I was convinced that the ruby inquestion was the one which I had found and given to the brahman, and Inow understood why these men were supposed to be my accomplices. 

I told them who I was, how I had found the jewel, and had beenunjustly arrested on account of it, and exhorted them to take courageand join me in an attempt to escape that night. To this they agreed, and at midnight we managed to overpower the jailors and knock off ourfetters; and having armed ourselves with weapons which we found in theprison, we cut our way through the guards, and reached Mānapāla's campin safety. The next day, men sent by the King of Lāta came toMānapāla, and said--"Some robbers, who were caught after breaking intothe king's dwelling, have made their escape, and are known to havecome here; give them up immediately, or it will be the worse for you. "

Mānapāla, who only wanted an excuse for a quarrel, having heard thisinsulting message, his eyes red with anger, answered, --"Who is theKing of Lāta, that I should bow down to him? What have I to do withthat low fellow? Begone!"

When the men returned to their master and told him the reception theyhad met with, he was in a furious rage, and, disregarding thesmallness of the force which was with him, marched out at once toattack Mānapāla, who was quite prepared to meet him. 

When I entered the camp, after my escape, Mānapāla, who received fromhis servants an exaggerated account of my coolness, dexterity, andcourage, had treated me with great honour, and now I offered myservices in the approaching fight. They were gladly accepted, and Iwas furnished with an excellent chariot and horses guided by a skilfulcharioteer, a strong coat of mail, a bow and two quivers full ofarrows, as well as with other weapons. 

Thus equipped, I went forth to meet the enemy, and seeking out theleader, soon found myself near him. First confusing him with arrowspoured upon him in rapid succession, I brought my chariot close tohis, and suddenly springing into it, cut off his head at a blow. 

Seeing the king fall, his soldiers were discouraged, and fled; thecamp was taken, much booty gained, and the princess led back, to herfather. He having received an account of the victory, and of my sharein it, through a messenger sent from Mānapāla, came forth to meet uswhen we entered the city, and received me with great honour. After atime, as I continued daily to increase in favour with him, he bestowedon me the hand of his daughter, and declared me his successor. 

Being thus arrived at the height of prosperity and happiness, I hadbut one cause of sorrow--my absence from you. I am on my way toMahākāla, to worship Siva there. I have stopped at this place, hoping, at a festival so much frequented, I might at least hear some tidingsof you, and now the god has favoured his worshipper, and through thishappy meeting all my wishes are fulfilled. 

Rājavāhana, who delighted in valour, having heard Somadatta's story, while expressing his sorrow for his undeserved imprisonment, congratulated him on the happy result of it, and told him his ownadventures. 

He had scarcely finished the relation of them when a third person cameup, and the prince, warmly greeting him, exclaimed, "O, Somadatta, here is Pushpodbhava. " Then there were mutual embracings andrejoicings, after which they all three sat down again, and Rājavāhanasaid: "Somadatta has told me his adventures, but I know nothing of therest of my friends. What did you do when you missed me that morning inthe forest?" Then Pushpodbhava respectfully spoke as follows:--

 * * * * *

ADVENTURES OF PUSHPODBHAVA. 

My lord, your friends being convinced that you had gone on someexpedition with the brahman, and knowing nothing of the directionwhich you had taken, were greatly perplexed. At last we agreed toseparate, each going a different way, and I, like the rest, set out bymyself. One day, being unable to bear the heat of the noonday sun, Isat down in the shade of a tree at the bottom of a mountain. Happeningto look up, I saw a man falling from the rock above, and he came tothe ground very near me. 

On going up to him, I found that he was still alive, and havingrevived him by throwing cold water over him, and by other means, Ifound that he had no bone broken, and did not appear to have receivedany serious injury. 

When he was sufficiently recovered, I asked him who he was and how hecame to fall from the precipice. With tears in his eyes, and a feeblevoice, he said: "My name is Ratnodbhava; I am the son of a minister ofthe King of Magadha; travelling about as a merchant, I came, manyyears ago, to the island of Kālayavana. There I married a merchant'sdaughter, and going with her by sea to visit my relations, wasovertaken by a violent storm, during which the ship sank, and I wasthe only person saved. 

"After reaching the shore, I wandered about for some time in a strangecountry, and, unable to bear my misery, was about to put an end to mylife, when I was stopped by a Siddha, who assured me that aftersixteen years I should find my wife. Trusting to this promise, I haveendured life through all these years; but the appointed time havingpassed without any sign of the fulfilment of the prophecy, I couldhold out no longer, and threw myself from the top of this precipice. "

At that moment the voice of a woman in distress was heard not far off, and saying to him whom I recognised as my father, "Take courage, Ihave good news for you; only wait a moment, " I ran off in thedirection of the place whence the voice had proceeded, and soon camein sight of a large fire and two women near it, the one trying tothrow herself into the flames, the other struggling to prevent her. Going to the help of the latter, I soon got the lady away, andbrought her and her companion to the place where my father was lying. I then said to the old woman, "Pray tell me what all this means? Howcame you to be in such a place, and why did the lady wish to destroyherself?"

With a voice broken by sobs, she answered me: "This lady, whose nameis Suvritta, is the daughter of a merchant in the island ofKālayavana, and the wife of Ratnodbhava. While crossing the sea withher husband, there was a great storm, the ship sank, and this lady andI, her nurse, were the only persons saved. A few days afterwards shegave birth to a son in the forest; but through my ill-fortune thechild was lost, having been seized by a wild elephant. Afterwards wetwo wandered about in great misery, and she would have put an end toher life had we not met with a holy man, who comforted her with theassurance that after sixteen years she would be reunited with herhusband and son. Relying on this prophecy, she consented to wait, andwe have spent all these years living near his hermitage; but thesixteen years were ended some time ago, and having lost all hope, shewas about to end her wretched life by throwing herself into a firewhich she had made, when you so opportunely came to my assistance. "

Hearing this story, my father was unable to speak from astonishment. Imade him known to my mother, and myself to both of them, to their verygreat joy; and my mother seemed as if she would never weary of kissingand embracing me. 

After a time, when we were all more composed, my father began toinquire about the king and his own relations, for during all theseyears he had heard nothing of them. I told him everything--how theking had been defeated, and had been living in the forest; your birth, and the wonderful preservation of myself and my companions; how we hadall set out together; how we had lost you, and how I was now searchingfor you. 

As soon as my father was able to walk, I placed him and my motherunder the care of a certain muni, not very far off, and set out againon my travels. Just at this time I had heard that under the ruins ofan ancient city, overgrown by trees, a great treasure was supposed tobe concealed; and as I possessed a magic ointment which, when appliedto the eyes, enabled me to see through the ground, I determined totry to dig it up. I therefore got together some strong young men withthe promise of good pay, went to the place, and succeeded in finding alarge quantity of gold and silver coin. While I was thus engaged, acaravan of merchants came to that neighbourhood, and halted there fora day or two. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I purchased ofthem sacks for holding the coin, and some strong oxen to carry them. Ithen dismissed my men, well satisfied with their share, and joined thecaravan, where I soon made friends with the leader, the son of amerchant at Oujein, to which place he was then going. 

On our arrival at the city, he introduced me to his father, Bandhupāla, by whose means I obtained permission from the King ofMālwa to reside there. When I had taken a house, safely deposited themoney, and established my parents in it, I was anxious to set outagain in search of you. 

Bandhupāla, seeing this, said to me: "You have already spent much timein searching for your friend, and may spend much more in the samemanner to no purpose, if you have no clue to guide you. Now I amskilled in augury and the language of birds; it is probable that I mayobtain some indications for you; wait, therefore, patiently for thepresent. Meanwhile, my house is always open to you. "

To this I agreed, and having great pleasure in his society, was muchwith him, and soon had other attractions there, for I fell in lovewith his beautiful daughter, Bālachandrika. 

Though I had not declared my passion, I was convinced, from her looksand from many things which I observed, that she was equally in lovewith me, and therefore anxiously sought an opportunity of speaking toher in private. 

One day, Bandhupāla, wishing to obtain information about you bylistening to the voices of birds, went with me into a park near thecity, and while he waited under the trees, hearing the birds, I walkedon, and had the good fortune to see my beloved alone, in another partof the park. 

Although she was evidently pleased at seeing me, and did not reject mysuit, I observed that she was distressed and dispirited, and inquiredthe cause. 

She told me, "Some time ago the old king abdicated in favour of hisson Darpasāra, who is now gone on a pilgrimage to the HimālayaMountains, having first appointed as joint regents the two sons of hisfather's sister, Charmavarma and Dāruvarma. 

"The former of these two alone has the management of affairs; for thelatter, given up to evil deeds, makes use of his power only for theindulgence of his licentious passions. 

"He has seen me during my attendance on the Princess Avantisundari, has endeavoured to seduce me, and I am in constant fear of hisviolence, for he hesitates at nothing in the indulgence of his wickeddesires. "

She told me this reluctantly, and with much agitation; but I comfortedher with the assurance of my love, and the promise of finding somemeans to free her from his annoyance. 

After some reflection, I said to her, "This is the plan which Ipropose. Your friends must give out in public that a certain Siddhahas declared--'Bālachandrika is guarded by a demon, who will allow noman to have intercourse with her without his consent. Whoever, therefore, wishes to marry her, must first pass one night in companywith her and one female friend, and if he comes out uninjured, or isable to overcome the demon, he may then safely marry her. '

"If Dāruvarma, on hearing this, shall be alarmed, and abstain fromfurther annoyance, so much the better; if, on the other hand, hepersists in his wicked purpose, do you appear to consent, and say, 'Ifyou think you can overcome the demon, I am willing to meet you, but itmust be openly, in your own house; and then, whatever happens, noblame can fall on my family. '

"To this proposal he will be sure to agree, and you may go to hishouse without fear, for I will accompany you, disguised as a woman, and will manage to kill that wretch, without danger to you or myself, after which there will be no obstacle to our marriage; for, when I askyour father, he will certainly consent, seeing the great love betweenus, for he has shown great regard for me, and knows my property andconnections. But you must tell him now what has been arranged betweenus, that he may be induced to spread abroad the report about thedemon, and to consent to your going to Dāruvarma's house. "

Bālachandrika was delighted with my plan, and promised to do her bestto carry it out. She had full confidence in my courage and skill, andfelt sure that I should succeed in what I had undertaken. Then, reluctantly leaving me, and looking back again and again, she walkedslowly home. 

After quitting her I returned to her father, who was well satisfiedwith the result of his observations, and told me that he hadascertained that after thirty days I should meet you; and we walkedtogether to his house, talking over the matter. 

After a few days, Bālachandrika informed me that Dāruvarma, undeterredby the report which was now spread about the city, that she washaunted by a demon, had continued his importunities, and that she hadconsented to go to his house that evening. 

Meanwhile I had secretly made my preparations, and concealed in alonely place everything required for my disguise. At the proper time, when it was quite dark, I went there, changed my dress, met the lady, and accompanied her to the house of the prince, who received us withgreat respect; and not having the slightest suspicion of my beingother than what I seemed to be, sent away all his attendants, andconducted us to a room in a small detached building. There he seatedher on a beautiful soft couch, inlaid with jewels, and expressing hisgreat delight at seeing her, brought forth and offered to us both veryhandsome presents of dresses, ornaments, perfumes, &c. After someconversation--as if no longer able to restrain himself--he sat downbeside her, and, regardless of my presence, threw his arms round her, and kissed her again and again. 

This was more than I could bear; suddenly seizing him by the throat, Ithrew him on the ground, and despatched him with blows of hand, foot, and knee, before he could call out or give an alarm. 

Then we both screamed out loudly, and I rushed forth, as if in agreat fright, calling out, "Help! help! the horrible demon is killingthe prince!"

Hearing this, and seeing my apparent agitation, the attendants andguards hastened in great confusion to the room, where they found theprince dead, and the lady so agitated that she was unable to give anaccount of what had happened; the demon had of course disappeared. 

Some police were in attendance, suspicious of fraud, but even they didnot imagine two women to be capable of such an act of violence, andthe general opinion was that the story of the demon was founded ontruth, and that the prince well deserved the fate he had met with. Bālachandrika was therefore suffered to leave: I had already escapedin the first alarm and confusion, had changed my dress, and reachedhome in safety. 

No further inquiry was made, and no suspicion fell on me; I dulymarried my beloved, and as no harm happened to me, the demon wassupposed to have been propitiated. 

The day indicated by my wife's father having arrived, I came here, fully expecting to see you, and now my happiness is complete. 

When Rājavāhana had heard this story, he again related his ownadventures; after which he took leave of Somadatta, saying, "Come tome as soon as possible, when you have paid your devotions at Mahākāla, and have taken your wife and her attendants home;" and he thenaccompanied Pushpodbhava into the city of Avanti. 

There he was hospitably received in the house of his friend, whointroduced him by his real name to Bandhupāla, but gave out in thecity that he was a young brahman, worthy of all honour for hislearning and ability; and the prince remained for some time in thatcity, treated with great respect and consideration by all who becameacquainted with him. 

 * * * * *

MARRIAGE OF AVANTISUNDARI. 

During the stay of Rājavāhana at Avanti, the season of spring arrived, when the great festival of Kāma is celebrated. The trees, breakinginto flower, were filled with the song of birds and the hum of bees, and their branches were waved by the soft south wind, blowing, loadedwith perfume, from the sandal groves of Malaya. The lakes and poolswere thickly covered with lotus blossoms, among which innumerablewater-birds were sporting, and the feelings of all were influenced bythe charms of the season, and prepared for the worship of the god oflove. 

On the day of the festival, the parks and gardens were crowded withpeople, some engaged in various sports, some walking about or sittingunder the trees, looking at the players. 

Among them was the Princess Avantisundari, who was sitting on a sandyspot, under a large tree, attended by her women, especially by herdear friend Bālachandrika, and making offerings to the god of variousperfumes and flowers. 

The prince also walked in the park with his friend Pushpodbhava; andwishing to see the princess, of whose grace and beauty he had alreadyheard, contrived to approach; and being encouraged by Bālachandrikawith a gesture of the hand, came and stood very near her. 

Then, indeed, having an opportunity of observing her, he was struck byher exceeding beauty. She seemed to him as if formed by the god oflove with everything most beautiful in the world; and, as he gazed, hefelt more and more entranced, till almost unconsciously he was deeplyin love. 

She, indeed, seeing him beautiful as Kāma himself, was almost equallyaffected, and, pervaded by strong feeling, trembled like the branch ofa creeping plant agitated by a gentle wind. 

Then he thought, "Never have I seen anything so lovely. She must havebeen formed by some singular accident, for there is no one like her inthe world. "

She, indeed, ashamed to look openly at him, and half concealingherself among her attendants, looked at him stealthily from time totime, and while he had all his thoughts fixed on her, was saying toherself, "Who can he be? Where does he come from? Happy the maidenswhose eyes are delighted with such beauty! happy the mother who hassuch a son! What can I do? how can I find out who he is?"

Meanwhile Bālachandrika, quick in discrimination, perceived theimpression they had made on each other; and not thinking it desirableto declare his name and rank before the other attendants, or in such apublic place, introduced him to the princess, saying, "This is a verylearned and clever young brahman, a friend of my husband, worthy ofyour notice. Allow me to recommend him to your favourableconsideration. "

The princess, delighted at heart, but concealing her feelings, motioned to the prince to sit down near her, and gave him betel, flowers, perfumes, &c. , through one of her attendants. 

Then Rājavāhana, more deeply in love even than the princess, thoughtto himself, "There surely must be some reason for this very suddenattraction which I feel towards her. She must have been my belovedwife in a former existence. Perhaps a curse was laid upon us; and nowthat is removed. If so, the recognition ought to be mutual; at allevents I will try what I can do to produce the same feeling in herwhich exists in my mind. "

While he was considering how this might be accomplished, a swanapproached the princess, as if expecting to be fed or caressed; and insport, she desired Bālachandrika to catch it. 

Inspired by this circumstance with a happy thought, Rājavāhana said tothe princess, "Will you allow me to tell you a short story? There wasformerly a king called Samba. When walking one day together with hisbeloved wife at the side of a small lake in the pleasure-grounds, hesaw a swan asleep, just under the bank. Having caught it, he tied itslegs together, put it down again on the ground, and saying to hiswife, 'This bird sits as quiet as a muni; let him go where he likes, 'amused himself with laughing at its awkward attempts to walk. Then theswan suddenly spoke: 'O king, though in the form of a swan, I am adevout brahman; and since you have thus, without cause, ill-treated mewhile sitting quiet here, engaged in meditation, I lay my curse uponyou, and you shall endure the pain of separation from your belovedwife. '

"Hearing this, the king, alarmed and distressed, bowed respectfully tothe ground, and said, 'O mighty sage, forgive an act done throughignorance. '

"Then that holy person, having his anger appeased, answered, 'My wordscannot be made of no effect. I will, however, so far modify the cursethat it will not take place during your present existence; but in afuture birth, when you are united to the same lady in another body, you must endure the misery of separation from her for two months, though you will afterwards enjoy very great happiness with her; and Iwill also confer on you both the power of recognising each other inyour next existence, '--I beg of you therefore not to tie this birdwhich you were wishing to catch. "

The princess, hearing this story, was quite ready to believe it; andfrom her own feelings was convinced that it really referred to aprevious existence of herself, now brought to her recollection; andthat the love which she felt springing up in her heart was directedtowards one who had formerly been her husband. With a sweet smile, sheanswered: "Doubtless Samba tied the bird in that way on purpose toobtain the power of recognition in another birth; and it was verycleverly managed by him. "

From that moment they seemed perfectly to understand each other, andsat without speaking, their hearts full of happiness. 

Presently the mother of the princess--the queen of the ex-kingMānasāra, who had also come with her attendants into the park, joinedher daughter; and Bālachandrika having seen her approaching, made asign to the prince, upon which he and his friend slipped on one side, and hid themselves behind some leafy bushes. 

After the queen had stayed a short time talking to her daughter andlooking at the games, she set out to return, and the princessaccompanied her. 

Before going, she turned round, as if addressing the swan, butintending the speech for the prince, who was anxiously watching herfrom his hiding-place, "Though you came near me so lovingly just now, I may not stay longer with you: I must leave you and follow my mother:do not forget me or imagine that I neglect you, for I am still fond ofyou. "

With these words she walked slowly away, looking with longing eyes inthe direction of her lover. 

On their return to the palace, the princess heard from Bālachandrika afull account of Rājavāhana and his adventures, through which she waseven more in love than before; and having no opportunity of seeing himagain, became listless and indifferent to her usual occupations, losther appetite, wasted away, and at last lay on her bed, burning withfever. 

In vain did her devoted attendants use all their efforts to diminishthe heat by means of cold water, fanning, and other remedies; and she, seeing their distress, said to her faithful Bālachandrika: "Ah, dearfriend, all you can do is to no purpose; they call Kāma the god withfive arrows; but surely this is a wrong name, for I feel as if piercedby him with hundreds of arrows. They call the wind from Malayacooling; but to me it only increases the fever, as if blowing up thefire which consumes me: my own necklace, the contact of which wasformerly agreeable, now feels as if smeared with the poison ofserpents. Give up your exertions; the prince is the only physician whocan cure me; and how can he come to me here?"

Then Bālachandrika thought to herself: "Something must be done, andthat without delay, or this violent passion of love will surely causeher death. I will at least see the prince, and try if it is possibleto bring about a meeting. "

Having thus resolved, she begged the princess to write a few lines toher lover; and committing her to the care of the other attendants, shewent to the house of her husband. There she found Rājavāhana almost inthe same state as the princess, burning with fever, throwing himselfabout restlessly on his couch, and bemoaning his hard fate to hisfriend. 

On seeing Bālachandrika, he started up, saying, "Oh, how welcome isthe sight of you! I am sure you must be the bearer of good news. Sitdown here and tell me about my darling. "

She answered: "The princess is suffering like yourself, longing to seeyou; and has now sent me with this letter. "

Eagerly opening it, he read--

"Beloved--Having seen your beauty, delicate as a flower, faultless, unrivalled in the world, my heart is full of longing. Do you likewisemake your heart soft. "

Having read this, he said: "Your coming here is refreshing to me aswater to a withered plant; you are the wife of my very dear friend, Pushpodbhava, and I know how attached you are to my darling, thereforeI can speak freely to you. Tell her that when she left the grove thatday she carried off my heart with her, and that I long to see her evenmore than she longs for me; tell her only not to despond; the entranceto her apartments is indeed difficult, but I will contrive to see herby some means or other. Come back soon, and, having thought over thematter, I will tell you what is to be done. " With this message, Bālachandrika went to rejoice her friend; and the prince, though muchcomforted, could not remain quiet, but walked to the park, to have thepleasure of seeing at least the place where he had first met hischarmer. There he stayed a long time together with his friend, lookingat her footsteps in the sand, the withered flowers which she hadgathered and thrown down, the place where she had sat, and the shrubsfrom which he had watched her, and listening to the murmur of the windamong the leaves, the hum of the bees and the song of the birds. Presently, they saw approaching them a brahman, splendidly dressed, followed by a servant. He, coming up to the prince, saluted him; andthe prince, returning the salute, asked who he was. He answered "Myname is Vidyeswara. I am a famous conjurer, and travel aboutexhibiting my skill for the amusement of kings and nobles. I have nowcome to Oujein, to show off my skill before the king. " Then, with aknowing smile, he added, "But what makes you look so pale?"

Pushpodbhava, thinking to himself this is just the man to help us, answered, "There is something in your appearance which induces me tolook on you as a friend, and you know how sometimes intimatefriendship arises from a very short acquaintance; I will thereforetell you why my friend is thus sad. Not long ago, he, the son of aking, met the Princess Avantisundari on this very spot, and they fellin love with each other. From the impossibility of meeting, both aresuffering, and the prince is brought into this condition which yousee. "

Vidyeswara, in reply, looking at the prince, said, with a smile, "Tosuch as you, with me for an ally, nothing is impossible. I will, through my skill, contrive that you shall marry the princess in thepresence of her father and his court; but you must follow mydirections exactly, and she must be informed of her part in the affairthrough some trusty female friend. "

Then, having given the necessary directions, the conjurer went hisway. Rājavāhana also returned to the house, and when he had givenBālachandrika, who came again in the evening, the directions receivedfrom the conjurer, and a loving message of encouragement for theprincess, he anxiously awaited the morrow, unable to sleep from thethought of the expected happiness, and fluctuating between alternatehopes and fears. In the morning, Vidyeswara, having collected a largetroop of followers, went to the palace and announced himself to thedoorkeeper, saying, "Tell the king the great conjurer is arrived. "Mānasāra, who had heard of his great skill, and was desirous of seeingit, ordered him to be immediately admitted, and, after the usualsalutations, the performance began. 

First, while the band was playing, peacocks' tails were waving, andsingers imitating the plaintive notes of birds, to excite the feelingsand distract the attention of the hearers, the conjurer turned roundviolently several times, with his eyes half-closed, and caused greathooded serpents to appear and vultures to come down from the sky toseize them. 

After this, he represented the scene of Vishnu killing Hiranyakasipu, chief of the Asuras, to the great astonishment of the spectators;then, turning to the king, he said, "It is desirable that theperformance should end with something auspicious; I propose, therefore, to represent a royal marriage, and one of my people willact as your daughter, another as a prince, endowed with all goodqualities. But first I must apply to your eyes this ointment, whichwill give you preternatural clearness of vision. " To all this the kingconsented. 

Meanwhile, the princess had contrived to slip out unobserved, andstood among the conjurer's people. Rājavāhana also stood ready, andthe performance began. Thus, under the disguise of a piece of acting, the conjurer, being a brahman, was able to complete the marriage withall proper rites and ceremonies without any suspicion on the part ofthe king that it was his own daughter whom he saw before him; and theothers, also unsuspecting, only admired the skill of the conjurer inmaking the actress so like the lady whom she represented. When theperformance was ended, the conjurer, having been liberally rewarded bythe king, dismissed his hired attendants and departed. 

In the confusion and excitement caused by the conjurer's performance, Rājavāhana and the princess slipped unnoticed into her apartments, where he was safe, for the present at least, her attendants being alldevoted to her, and careful to keep the secret. 

He was thus able to enjoy the society of his bride withoutinterruption; to give her a full account of his life and adventures, and to teach her many things of which she was ignorant; so that shebecame more and more attached to him, and admired his knowledge andeloquence as much as she had before admired his beauty. 

 * * * * *

FURTHER ADVENTURES OF RĀJAVĀHANA. 

Thus the princess, listening with delight and astonishment to thesweet and eloquent words of her husband, and he never tired ofcontemplating her beauty and enjoying her caresses, lived for sometime in the greatest happiness, without care or anxiety for thefuture. 

One night, when both were sleeping, the prince had a remarkable dream. He seemed to see an old swan, whose legs were tied together with lotusfibre, approach the bedside; at that moment he awoke with a feeling ofpressure on his feet, and found himself bound with a slender silverchain, bright as the rays of the moon. The princess awoke at the sametime, and seeing her husband thus fettered, screamed out loudly in herfright. The attendants in the adjoining apartments, hearing thescream, thought something dreadful must have happened. They rushedinto the room, added their cries to hers, and forgetting all theirformer precautions, left the doors open, so that the guards outside, hearing the clamour, entered and saw the prince. 

When about to seize him, they were awed by his dignity, and contentedthemselves with giving information to the regent, Chandavarma, who, onreceiving it, came immediately to the place. 

Looking at the prince with eyes burning with the fire of anger, hebegan to recollect him, and said, "So! this is that conceited brahmanwho has been deceiving the people; making them believe that he iswonderfully clever; the friend of that fellow the husband of thewicked Bālachandrika, the cause of my brother's death. How is itpossible that the princess should have fallen in love with such apaltry wretch, overlooking a man like me? She is a disgrace to herfamily, and shall soon see her husband impaled on a stake. "

Then, with his forehead disfigured by a fearful frown, he continued toabuse the prince; and having tied his hands behind him, dragged himfrom the room. 

Rājavāhana, naturally brave, and encouraged by belief in that formerexistence the remembrance of which had so wonderfully arisen in hismind, bore all the insults with firmness, and saying to the princess, "Remember that speech of the swan, have patience for two months, andall will be well, " submitted quietly to the imprisonment. 

When the ex-king and queen were informed of what had happened, theywere greatly distressed on their daughter's account, and exertedthemselves to save the life of their son-in-law; but the regent, inwhom all authority was vested, resisted their entreaties; and only oncondition of their resigning some of the few privileges which stillremained to them did he consent to defer the execution till he hadcommunicated with Darpasāra, and learned his pleasure on the subject. He confiscated the property of Pushpodbhava, and threw him and hisfamily into prison; and being about to march against the King of Anga, and unwilling to leave the prince behind, lest he should be liberatedby the old king, he caused a wooden cage to be made, in which hisprisoner was shut up and carried with the army. 

Treated thus like some wild beast, roughly shaken and neglected, Rājavāhana would have suffered greatly had he not been protected bythe magic jewel given to him in Pātāla, and which he had contrived toconceal in his hair. 

Chandavarma had some time before this asked in marriage Ambālika, thedaughter of Sinhavarma, King of Anga, and, indignant at a refusal, wasnow marching against him, to take vengeance for the insult, and getpossession of the princess. Advancing therefore with a large army, heprepared to besiege Champa, the capital city. 

Sinhavarma, being of a very impatient and impetuous disposition, wouldnot wait for the arrival of the allies who had been summoned to hisassistance, and were then on the march; but throwing open the gates, went forth to meet the enemy. 

A terrible battle ensued, in which both kings performed prodigies ofvalour. At last Sinhavarma was taken prisoner, and his army socompletely defeated, that the conqueror entered and took possession ofthe city without opposition. 

Chandavarma, having now the princess in his power, determined to makeher his wife at once: he therefore treated her father with moreconsideration than he would otherwise have done, though he put him inconfinement, and caused it to be proclaimed throughout the city thatthe wedding would be celebrated with much splendour the next morning. 

Just then a messenger arrived from Kailāsa, bringing a letter fromDarpasāra, in which he had written, "O fool! should there be any pityfor the violator of the harem? If the old king, my father, now in hisdotage, was foolish enough to favour the criminal for the sake of hisworthless daughter, you had no need of his permission, and ought notto have been influenced by him. Let that vile seducer be immediatelyput to death by torture, and his paramour be shut up in prison till Icome. "

Chandavarma, who had intended to march against the allies advancingfor the assistance of his captive, on receiving these commands, gaveorders to his attendants, saying, "To-morrow morning take that vilewretch from his cage, and set him at the palace gate. Have ready, also, a fierce elephant, suitably equipped, which I shall mountimmediately after the wedding, to overtake my army in march againstthe enemy; and as I set out, I will make the elephant trample thelife out of that criminal. "

Accordingly, the next morning, the prince was brought by the guards tothe gate of the palace, and the elephant placed near him. 

While he stood there, calmly awaiting death, which now seemedinevitable, he suddenly felt his feet free, and a beautiful ladyappeared before him. 

She humbly bowing down said: "Let my lord pardon his servant for theinjury which she has unconsciously caused. I am an Apsaras, born fromthe rays of the moon. One day, as I was flying through the air, wearing a white dress, a swan, mistaking me for a lotus flower, attacked me. While struggling to keep off the bird, the string of mynecklace broke, and the pearls fell on the grey head of a very holyrishi, bathing, in the clear water of a Himālayan lake. 

"In his anger, he cursed me, saying: 'O wicked one, for this offenceyou are condemned to be changed into a piece of unconscious metal. '

"When, however, I entreated forgiveness, he was so far appeased, thathe modified the curse, and granted that I should still retainconsciousness, and remain as a fetter on your feet for two monthsonly. 

"The change took place immediately, and I fell to the ground, turnedinto a silver chain. 

"About this time, Vķrasekhara, a Vidyādhara, partly of human descent, had become acquainted with Darpasāra, then performing penance on thegreat mountain; and thinking he might get assistance from him in afeud in which he was involved, had made an alliance with him, andengaged to marry his sister, the Princess Avantisundari. 

"Being desirous of visiting his intended bride, he flew through theair to Avanti. On his way he saw the silver fetter, descended to theground, picked it up, and continued his flight. 

"Having made himself invisible, he entered without difficulty theapartment of the princess, and was astonished and enraged on findingher lying in your arms. His first impulse was to kill you; but someirresistible influence restrained him, so that he contented himselfwith putting the silver fetter on your feet, and departed withoutotherwise disturbing you. 

"You have, in consequence, suffered all this misery. Now mytransformation is ended, and you are so far free; tell me what I cando for you in atonement for the suffering which I have caused?"

The prince, not thinking of himself, said only, "Go at once to her whois dearer to me than life, and comfort her with news of me. "

At that moment a great clamour was heard, and some persons, rushingfrom the interior of the palace, called out, loudly, "Help! help!Chandavarma is murdered! killed by an assassin, who stabbed him as hewas about to take the hand of the princess; and that man is now movingabout the palace, cutting down all who attempt to seize him. "

Rājavāhana, when he heard this, without losing a moment, and beforethe guards had perceived his feet to be unfettered, with a suddenspring leapt on the elephant intended for his destruction; and havingthrust off the driver, urged the beast at a rapid pace, pushing asidethe crowd right and left as he went. 

Having got into the courtyard, he shouted with a loud voice, "Who isthe brave man that has done this great deed, hardly to be accomplishedby a mere mortal? Let him come forth and join me; we two united are amatch for a whole army. "

The slayer of Chandavarma hearing this, came out of the palace, andquickly mounting the elephant, who held down his trunk to receive him, placed himself behind the prince. 

Great was their mutual astonishment and joy when they recognised eachother, the prince exclaiming, "Is it possible? Is it really you, mydear friend Apahāravarma, who have done this deed?" and the othersaying, "Do I indeed see my Lord Rājavāhana?" Having thus recognisedand embraced each other, they turned the elephant round, and passingthrough the crowd in the courtyard, went into the main street, nowthronged by soldiers. Through these they forced their way, employingwith good effect the weapons placed on the elephant for the use ofChandavarma. 

Before, however, they had gone far, they heard the noise of battle ata distance, and saw the soldiers in front of them scattered in alldirections. 

Soon they saw coming towards them a very well-dressed, handsome man, riding on a swift elephant. On reaching them, he made obeisance to theprince, saying, "I am sure this is my Lord Rājavāhana;" and thenturning to Apahāravarma, said, "I have followed your directionsexactly, and hastened on the advancing allies. We have just nowencountered and utterly defeated the enemy, so that there is no fearof any further resistance. "

Then Apahāravarma introduced the stranger to the prince, saying, "Thisis my dear friend Dhanamittra, well worthy of your respect andconsideration; for he is as brave and clever as he is handsome. Withyour permission, he will liberate the King of Anga, and re-establishthe former authorities; meanwhile, we will go on to a quiet place, andwait there for him and the princes who have come so opportunely to ourassistance. "

Rājavāhana agreed to this. They went a little further, and dismountedat a pleasant cool bank, shaded by a large banian tree, and close tothe Ganges. 

When they had been for some time seated there, Dhanamittra returned, accompanied by Upahāravarma, Pramati, Mitragupta, Mantragupta, Visruta, Prahāravarma King of Mithila, Kāmapāla lord of Benāres, andSinhavarma King of Anga. 

The prince, astonished and delighted at such an unexpected meeting, warmly embraced his young friends, and very respectfully saluted, as ason, the elder men introduced by them. Many questions were asked onboth sides. After some conversation, Rājavāhana told them his ownadventures, and those of Somadatta and Pushpodbhava, and then beggedhis friends to relate theirs. 

Apahāravarma spoke first. 

 * * * * *

ADVENTURES OF APAHĀRAVARMA. 

My Lord, when you had gone away with the brahman, and we were unableto find you, I wandered about searching for you like the rest of yourfriends. 

One day I heard by chance of a very famous muni, living in a forest onthe banks of the Ganges, not far from Champa, who was said to havesupernatural knowledge of past and future events. 

Hoping to obtain some information about you, I determined to seek himout, and accordingly came here for that purpose. Having found the wayto his dwelling, I saw there a miserable-looking man, very unlike theholy devotee whom I had pictured to myself. Sitting down, however, beside this person, I said, "I have come a long way to consult thecelebrated rishi Mārķchi, having heard that he is possessed of verywonderful knowledge. Can you tell me where to find him?"

Deeply sighing, he answered: "There was, not long ago, such a personin this place; but he is changed--he is no longer what he was. "

"How can that be?" I asked. 

"One day, " he replied, "while that muni was engaged in prayer andmeditation, he was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a famousactress and dancer, called Kāmamanjari, who, with dishevelled hair andeyes full of tears, threw herself at his feet. 

"Before he had time to ask the meaning of this, a confused crowd ofher companions came up, headed by an old woman, the mother ofKāmamanjari, apparently in great agitation and distress. 

"When they were all a little quieted, he asked the girl the meaning ofher tears, and for what purpose she had come to him. 

"She answered, apparently with great respect and bashfulness, 'Oreverend sir, I have heard of your great wisdom, and your kindness tothose who are willing to give up the pleasures of this world for thesake of the next. I am tired of the disgraceful life I am leading, andwish to renounce it. ' Upon this, her mother, with her loose grey hairstouching the ground, interrupted her, and said, 'Worthy sir, thisdaughter of mine would make it appear that I am to blame, but indeed Ihave done my duty, and have carefully prepared her for that professionfor which, by birth, she was intended. From earliest childhood I havebestowed the greatest care upon her, doing everything in my power topromote her health and beauty. As soon as she was old enough, I hadher carefully instructed in the arts of dancing, acting, playing onmusical instruments, singing, painting, preparing perfumes andflowers, in writing and conversation, and even to some extent ingrammar, logic, and philosophy. She was taught to play various gameswith skill and dexterity, and how to dress well, and show herself offto the greatest advantage in public; I hired persons to go aboutpraising her skill and beauty, and to applaud her when she performedin public, and I did many other things to promote her success, and tosecure for her liberal remuneration; yet, after all the time, trouble, and money which I have spent upon her, just when I was beginning toreap the fruit of my labours, the ungrateful girl has fallen in lovewith a stranger, a young brahman, without property, and wishes tomarry him and give up her profession, notwithstanding all myentreaties, and representations of the poverty and distress to whichall her family will be reduced if she persists in her purpose; andbecause I oppose this marriage, she declares that she will renouncethe world, and become a devotee. '

"The muni compassionately said to the girl: 'You will never be able toendure the hardships of such a life as you propose to lead--a life sodifferent from that to which you have been accustomed. Heaven may beattained by all who duly perform the duties of their station; take myadvice then, give up all thoughts of an undertaking which you willnever accomplish, comply with your mother's wishes, return with her, and be content with that way of life in which you have been broughtup. '

"With many tears, she replied: 'If you will not receive me I will putan end to my wretched life. '

"Finding her so determined, the muni, after some reflection, said tothe mother and her companions: 'Go away for the present; come backafter a few days; I will give her good advice, and you will no doubtfind her tired of living here, and quite ready to return. '

"Thereupon they all went away, and she was left alone with the muni. At first she kept at a distance from him, taking care not to interrupthim in his meditations, but waiting on him unobtrusively, renderinghim many little services, watering his favourite trees, and gatheringsacred grass, and flowers for offerings to the gods. Then, as hebecame more accustomed to her, she would amuse him with songs anddances, and at last began to sit near him and talk of the pleasures oflove. 

"One day, as if in all simplicity, she said 'Surely people are verywrong in reckoning virtue, wealth and pleasure as the three greatobjects of life?'

"'Tell me, ' he answered, 'how far do you regard virtue as superior tothe other two?'

"'A very wise man like you, ' she replied, 'can hardly learn anythingfrom an ignorant woman like me; but since you ask, I will tell youwhat I think. There is no real acquisition of happiness or wealthwithout virtue; but the latter is quite independent of the other two. Without it, a man is nothing; but if he fully possesses it, he is sopurified by it that he may indulge in pleasures occasionally, and anysin connected with them will no more adhere to him than dust to acloud. Look at all the stories of the amours of the gods. Are they theless worshipped on that account? I think, therefore, that virtue is ahundred times superior to the other two. ' With many such speciousarguments as these, and by her winning ways, she contrived to make himmadly in love; so that, forgetting all his religious duties and formerausterities, he thought only how to please her. 

"When she perceived this, she said to him 'Let us stay no longer inthe forest, but go to my house in the town, where we can have manymore enjoyments. ' Utterly infatuated, he was ready to do herbidding; and she, having procured a covered carriage, took him in theevening to her own house. 

"The next day there was a great festival, at which the king wasaccustomed to appear in public and converse familiarly with hissubjects. On such occasions he would often be surrounded by actressesand dancing girls. 

"On that day Kāmamanjari persuaded the muni to put on a gay dress andaccompany her to the park where the festival was held; and he, thinking only of her, and miserable if she were away from him even fora short time, consented to go. On their arrival there, she walked withhim towards the king, who, seeing her, said, with a smile: 'Sit downhere with that reverend man. ' And all eyes were directed towards him. 

"Presently one of the ladies rose up, and, making a low obeisance tothe king, said: 'My lord; I must confess myself beaten by that lady; Ihave lost my wager and must now pay the penalty. '

"Then a great shout of laughter arose; the king congratulatedKāmamanjari, and presented her with handsome ornaments. 

"After this she walked away with the astonished muni, followed by agreat crowd, shouting applause. 

"Before reaching her own house, she turned round to him with a lowobeisance, and said: 'Reverend sir, you have favoured me with yourcompany a long time; it will be well for you to attend now to your ownaffairs. '

"Not having his eyes yet opened, he started as if thunderstruck, andsaid: 'My dear, what does all this mean? What has become of the greatlove which you professed for me?'

"She smilingly answered: 'I will explain it all. '

"'One day, that lady whom you saw in the park had a dispute with me asto which was the most attractive. At last she said: "You boast of yourpowers, forsooth; go and try them on Mārķchi. If you can persuade himto accompany you here, then indeed you may triumph; I will acknowledgemyself your inferior. "

"'This was the reason of my coming to you; the trick has beensuccessful; I have won my wager, and have now no further occasion foryou. '

"Bowed down by shame and remorse, the unhappy man slunk back to hishermitage, miserable and degraded, bitterly lamenting his folly andinfatuation, but resolved to atone for it by deep repentance andsevere penance. 

"I am that wretched man; you see, therefore, that I am now quiteunable to assist you. But do not go away; remain in Champa. After atime I shall recover my former power. "

While he was telling me this sad story, the sun set, and I remainedwith him that night. The next morning, at sunrise, I took leave ofhim, and walked towards the city. On my way thither, as I passed aBuddhist monastery, I was struck by the appearance of a man sitting atthe side of the road near it. He was extraordinarily ugly; his bodynaked, with the exception of a rag round his waist; and his face socovered with dirt, that the tears he was shedding left furrows asthey rolled down his cheeks. 

Moved by compassion, I sat down near him, and inquired the reason ofhis distress, at the same time adding, "If it is a secret, I do notwish to intrude upon you. "

"'My misfortunes are well known, ' he answered; 'I can have noobjection to telling you if you wish to hear them. ' Then he began:

"My name is Vasupālika; but from my ugliness I am generally known asVirśpaka, --the deformed. I am the son of a man of some importancehere, who left me a large fortune. 

"Among my acquaintance there was a person called Sundaraka, remarkablyhandsome, but poor. Between us two some mischievous persons strove toexcite a rivalry, pitting my money against his beauty andaccomplishments. 

"One day, in a large assembly, having got up a dispute between us, they said: 'It is not beauty or wealth, but the approbation of theladies, which stamps the worth of a man; therefore, let the famousactress, Kāmamanjari, decide between you, and agree that she shall saywho is the best man. ' To this we both assented, and she, having beenpreviously prepared for the part which she was to perform, was broughtinto the room, and passing by my rival with scorn, sat down by myside, and, taking a garland from her own head, placed it on mine. 

"Greatly flattered and delighted by this preference, and blinded by amad love for her, which I had not ventured to express, I most readilygave myself up to her seductions, and in a very short time sheobtained such an influence over me that everything I possessed was ather disposal. Before long, she had so plundered me, and led me intosuch extravagance, that I was reduced to the most abject poverty, andhad nothing I could call my own but this miserable rag which you nowsee me wear. 

"Cast off by her, blamed and reproached by the elder men, laughed atand despised by those who had been my companions in prosperity, I knewnot where to turn; and as a last resource I entered this Buddhistmonastery, where I obtain a bare subsistence. 

"Distressed by the cutting off of my long hair, and by numerousrestrictions as to eating, drinking, and sleeping, like a newly-caughtelephant; and hearing every day abuse of those gods whom I used toworship; filled with remorse for my departure from the religion of myancestors; I am utterly miserable and only wish for death. "

Having heard this pitiable story, I did what I could to comfort him, and said, "Do not despair; I have heard already of that wicked woman, and think I shall be able to find some means of making her restore toyou a part at least of your property. "

After leaving him, I went into the city, and finding, from popularreport, that it was full of rich misers, I resolved to bring them totheir proper condition by taking away their useless wealth. 

Occupied by this thought, I went into a gaming-house, where I was muchinterested and amused by watching the players and observing theirtricks, their sleight-of-hand, their bullying or cringing behaviour toeach other; the reckless profusion of the winners, the mutteringdespair of those who had lost. 

While overlooking a game of chess, I smiled and made some remark abouta bad move of one of the players, upon which his opponent, turning tome with a sneer, said "No doubt you think yourself very clever, butwait till I have finished off this stupid fellow, and I will play youfor any stake you like. "

When the game was over, accepting his challenge, I sat down to play, and won altogether sixteen thousand dķnars. Half of this sum I keptfor myself, and half I divided between the gaming-house keeper and theplayers who were present. The latter were loud in praise of mygenerosity, and of the skill which I had shown in beating thatboaster; the former asked me to dine with him, and I often went tohis house and became very intimate with him, and obtained from himmuch information, especially such as had reference to my purpose. 

One very dark night, fully directed by him, I set out, determined onrobbery, equipped with a dark dress, a short sword, a spade, acrowbar, a pair of pincers, a wooden man's head, [4] a magic candle, arope and grappling-iron, a box with a bee in it, [5] and some otherimplements. 

Selecting a house where I knew there was much money, I made a hole inthe wall, and finding all quiet, enlarged it, entered boldly, andcarried off much booty. 

As I was returning, looking cautiously about me, I came suddenly upona young woman, who was much alarmed at seeing me. Perceiving heragitation, I spoke to her kindly, and assured her that I would muchrather assist than injure her. 

Encouraged by my words, she told me her story: "My name is Kulapālika;I am the daughter of a rich merchant in this city, and was fromchildhood engaged to the son of another rich man, named Dhanamittra:he, however, being of a very generous disposition, when he hadsucceeded to his father's property was preyed on by pretended friendsand reduced to comparative poverty. Seeing this, my father refused hisconsent to our marriage, and, in spite of my reluctance, is determinedto give me to a rich man, called Arthapati. To escape this marriage, Ihave slipped out from home by a secret passage, rarely used, and amgoing to the house of my lover, who is expecting me and will take meaway to some other country; pray do not detain me, but accept this. "So saying, she put one of her ornaments into my hand. I did not refuseit, but walked by her side, intending to escort her to herdestination. 

We had, however, only gone a few steps, when I saw coming towards us, at no great distance, a large body of the citizen guard. Withoutlosing a moment, I said to the trembling girl, "Don't be alarmed; saythat I have been bitten by a serpent, and I will manage the rest. "

By the time they reached us I had thrown myself on the ground, and layas if insensible, and she stood over me, crying. On being questioned, she answered, with many tears, and in evident distress: "My husbandand I, coming from the country, lost our way, and have only latelyentered the city. Just now he was bitten by a serpent, and is all butdead. Is there any one among you skilled in charms who can recoverhim?"

Among the guard there chanced to be a very conceited man, who hadoften boasted of his skill, and was now delighted to have anopportunity of displaying it. He stood over me while the otherswaited, and, with many gesticulations, muttered various charmssupposed to be efficacious in such a case; but finding all of noavail, said at last, "Ah! it is too late; the poor man is past allremedies: what a pity I did not see him sooner!" Then, joining hiscompanions, who were impatient to be off, he turned to the sobbinggirl and said: "He was evidently fated to die; who can prevail overfate? It is useless to lament; nothing more can be done now; wait alittle while, and when we come back we will remove the body. "

As soon as they were out of sight I rose up, took her to the house ofDhanamittra, and said to him: "I met this lady just now; I havebrought her safely here, and now restore the ornament which she gaveme in her fright; for, though I am a robber, I would not steal fromone like her. "

Delighted at seeing her, he answered: "O, sir, you have indeedrendered me a great service in bringing this dear one in safety here;such conduct is very extraordinary in a man of your way of life, and Iam quite unable to understand your motives for acting thus. At allevents, I am under very great obligation to you; command my servicesin future. "

After some further talk, I asked him: "Friend, what do you now intendto do?"

"It will be impossible, " he answered, "for me to live here if I marryher without her father's consent; I propose, therefore, to leave thetown with her this very night. "

"A clever man, " I replied, "is at home in any place. Wherever he goeshe may say this is my country. But, in travelling, many hardships mustbe endured--hunger, thirst, fatigue, and dangers from men and wildbeasts;--how will this tender girl be able to bear them?

"You seem to be wanting in wisdom and forethought in thus abandoninghome and country. Take courage! be guided by me, and you shall marryher and live comfortably here. But first we must take her back to herfather's house. "

To this he consented without hesitation, and we set out at once. Guided by her, we entered through the secret passage, carried offeverything of value, and got away without exciting alarm. 

Having hidden our booty in some old ruins, we were going home, when wefell in with some of the city guard. Fortunately, there chanced to bean elephant tied up at the side of the road. We quickly, therefore, unfastened the rope, mounted him, and urged him at full speed; andbefore the watchmen could recover from their confusion, were out ofsight. Halting the elephant close to the wall of a deserted garden, wegot over it with the help of the trees growing there, escaped on theother side, and reached home undetected, where we bathed and went tobed. 

The next day we walked out carefully dressed, and were amused athearing an exaggerated account of our adventures of the precedingnight, which had caused much alarm and excitement in the city. 

I had hoped, by robbing the old man, to prevent the marriage of hisdaughter with Arthapati. But this hope was frustrated; for the latterwas not only willing to take Kulapālika without a dowry, but even madepresents to her father; and it was settled that the marriage shouldtake place at the end of a month. 

Finding this to be the case, I felt that something more must be done;and having hit upon a plan which I thought would be effectual, I gaveDhanamittra directions how to act. 

Accordingly, a few days afterwards, he went to the king, to whom hewas previously known, and having asked for a private audience, said:"A very wonderful thing has happened to me, of which it seems rightthat your majesty should be informed. You have known me asDhanamittra, the son of a very rich man. During my prosperity, I wasengaged to the daughter of a wealthy merchant; but when I was reducedto poverty, he refused his consent to our marriage, and is now aboutto give her to another. 

"Driven to despair by the double loss of fortune and wife, I went intoa wood near the city, intending to put an end to my wretched life. 

"There, when in the act of cutting my throat, I was stopped by a veryaged devotee, who asked the cause of the rash act. 

"'Poverty, and contempt, ' I answered. 

"'There is nothing more foolish and sinful than suicide, ' he replied. 'A man of sense will endure adversity rather than escape from it insuch a manner. Wealth, when lost, may be regained in many ways; butlife in none. A broken fortune may be repaired; a cut throat can neverbe joined again. But why should I preach to you thus? Here is a remedyfor your misfortunes. This leather bag will give you abundant wealth. I have used it for assisting the deserving; but now I am old andinfirm, and am not long for this world. I give it to you. 

"'Go home; if you possess anything wrongfully acquired, restore it tothe right owner, and give away the rest of your property to brahmansand the poor. When this has been done, put away the purse carefully;and in the morning it will be found full of gold. Remember thatwhoever possesses it must comply with these conditions, and that itwill yield its treasures only to a merchant like yourself, or to anactress. '

"With these words, he handed me the purse, and immediatelydisappeared. 

"I have now brought the purse to your majesty, to know your pleasureconcerning it. "

The king, though much astonished, believing the story, told him tokeep and enjoy it; and in answer to his entreaty, promised that anyone attempting to steal it should be severely punished. 

After this, Dhanamittra, making no secret of his acquisition of thepurse, disposed of all his property somewhat ostentatiously, leavinghimself absolutely nothing but the clothes which he wore; and in themorning, having filled the purse with gold--the proceeds of therobbery--he showed it to his neighbours, who were fully convinced ofits magic powers. 

The fame of the purse was thus spread abroad; and we were able toaccount for our newly-acquired wealth, without incurring any suspicionas to the manner of obtaining it. 

At this time; for reasons which will presently appear, I inducedVimardaka to enter the service of Arthapati; and directed him to useall possible means to excite his master against Dhanamittra. In thishe had no difficulty; for the father of Kulapālika, hearing of hissudden acquisition of wealth, did not even wait to be asked, but ofhis own accord renewed the former engagement, and rejected Arthapati. 

About that time it was publicly announced that a younger sister ofKāmamanjari--Rāgamanjari by name--would make her first appearance as adancer and singer. Great expectations having been raised, a largenumber of spectators, including myself and my friend Dhanamittra, werepresent at the performance. 

I was struck by her beauty the instant she appeared on the stage; butwhen I heard her sweet voice, and saw her graceful movements, I wasperfectly enchanted, and unable to take my eyes off her for a moment. 

The performance being ended, she withdrew, followed by the longingeyes and loud applause of the spectators; and giving, as I fancied, asignificant look at me. 

The next day I was anxious, restless, and unable to eat; and could donothing but roam about listlessly, or lie on the couch, thinking ofher, and making the excuse of a bad headache. 

My friend, seeing me in this state, easily guessed the reason of it, and said to me in private: "I know the cause of your uneasiness, andcan give you good hopes. That girl is virtuous, whatever her motherand sister may be; and having watched her closely at the performance, I am convinced that she was much struck with you; therefore, if youare willing to make her your wife, there will be no great difficultiesto overcome as far as she is concerned; for, resisting all seductionsand the persuasions of her wicked mother and sister, she has declared:'No man shall have me except as a wife; and I must be won by merit, not by money. '

"On the other hand, her mother and sister, fearing lest she should bewithdrawn from the stage, have gone to the king, and obtained, throughmany tears and entreaties, a decree that if any man shall take thegirl, either in marriage or not, without her mother's consent, heshall be put to death like a robber. Therefore, when you have gainedher love, you must also obtain the mother's consent; and that can onlybe done by means of a large bribe; she will not listen to any otherinducement. "

"I am equal to all this, " I answered; "I will win the young lady, andfind means to satisfy the old one. " And I lost no time inaccomplishing my purpose. It was first necessary to make acquaintancewith Kāmamanjari, and to this end I found out a woman often employedby her as a messenger, and having gained her over by bribes, sent, through her, a number of small presents, till at last Kāmamanjari wasdisposed in my favour, and received me at her house. Meanwhile Icontrived to have secret interviews with her beautiful sister, whoconsented to be my wife. As soon as this was settled, I said toKāmamanjari, "I am desirous of obtaining your mother's consent to mymarriage with your sister, who has accepted me. I know that if sheceases to perform, you will lose a large income; and, therefore, offeryou in return something better and more certain. Procure for me thedesired permission, and you shall have Dhanamittra's magic purse, which I will safely steal for you. "

Delighted at the thought of possessing inexhaustible wealth, sheagreed to this; the mother's consent was formally given; and on theday of my marriage I secretly handed over the promised purse. 

Very soon after, Vimardaka, by my directions, in a large assembly, began to abuse and insult Dhanamittra, who, as if much astonished, said: "What does all this mean? Why should you annoy me? I am notaware that I have ever given you offence. "

He answered furiously: "You purse-proud wretch, do you think I willnot take my master's part? Have you not robbed him of his intendedwife, by bribing her father? Do you think he has no cause for angeragainst you? His interests are mine; I am ready to risk my life forhim, and I will pay you off. Some day you shall miss that purse, thesource of the riches with which you are so puffed up. " Saying this, herushed out of the place in a rage; and though nothing was done at thetime, his words were not forgotten. 

Then Dhanamittra went to the king, and declaring that he had lost thepurse, mentioned his suspicion of Arthapati, and the reason for it. He, having heard nothing of what his servant had said, when summonedand asked "Have you a confidential servant named Vimardaka?" answeredwithout hesitation, "Certainly; he is a very trustworthy man, entirelydevoted to my interest. "

"Bring him here to me. "

Thus commanded, he searched everywhere for his servant, but was unableto find him; and for a good reason, for I had furnished the man withmoney, and sent him to Oujein, to look for you. 

The supposed thief having disappeared, his master was put in prisontill further evidence could be procured, for no one but those in thesecret doubted that he was the instigator of the theft. 

Meanwhile Kāmamanjari, anxious to make use of the magic purse, proceeded to fulfil the conditions attached to its use. She wentsecretly to Virśpaka, and restored the money of which she had robbedhim, and then gave away all her furniture, clothes, and ornaments. This, however, she did so incautiously, that attention was drawn toit; upon which Dhanamittra went again to the king, saying: "I suspectthat the actress, Kāmamanjari, has got my purse; for thoughnotoriously avaricious, she is giving away everything she possesses, and there must be some strong reason for such a proceeding. "

In consequence of this information, she was summoned to appear thenext day, together with her mother; and the two women came in greatalarm to consult me. 

I said to Kāmamanjari: "No doubt you are suspected of having thepurse. This suspicion has arisen from your own imprudence, in givingaway your property so openly. I much fear that you will have to giveit up, and you will be fortunate if you escape without worseconsequences. But you must on no account implicate me; for then Ishould be put to death, all my property would be confiscated, yoursister would die of grief, and you would be utterly ruined. "

She answered, with many tears: "It is indeed my own fault, but youshall be safe. That niggardly wretch, Arthapati, is known to beintimate with me. I will say that I received it from him; and, as heis already suspected of stealing it, I shall probably be believed. "

To this I agreed, and the next day, when questioned, she at firstdenied all knowledge of the purse, then admitted having received it, but refused to say from whom, and at last, when threatened withtorture, confessed, apparently with great reluctance, that Arthapatiwas the giver; and this being considered sufficient evidence againsthim, he was condemned to death. 

Then Dhanamittra interceded for him, saying. "A decree was formerlymade by one of your ancestors, that no merchant or trader should beput to death for theft. I humbly entreat, therefore, that his life maybe spared. "

To this the king consented, the poor wretch was banished, and all hisproperty confiscated, a portion of it being given to Kāmamanjari, atthe earnest entreaty of Dhanamittra, who got back his purse, andshortly afterwards married Kulapālika. 

Having thus performed the promise to my friend, I increased my ownwealth, and kept up the reputation of the purse by going on with myrobberies, and so impoverished the rich misers, that some of them wereglad to receive a morsel of food from the beggars to whom they hadformerly refused help, and who were now enriched by my liberality. 

Still no suspicion fell on me; but fate is all-powerful, and it wasdecreed that I should be caught at last. 

One night, sitting with my charming wife, intoxicated, partly withwine and partly with her sweet caresses, I was seized with madness, and started up, saying: "All the wealth in the city is not too muchfor you; I will fill the house with jewels for your sake. " Then, likea furious elephant who has broken his chain, I rushed out, in spite ofher remonstrances, with a drawn sword, and attacked a body of police, who happened to be passing. Shouting out, "This is the robber!" theysoon overpowered me, and I fell to the ground. 

The shock sobered me at once, and all the horror of the situation intowhich I had brought myself by my folly came into my mind. I thought tomyself, my intimacy with Dhanamittra is well known; suspicion willfall on him; and unless I can turn it off, he, as well as my wife, will be arrested to-morrow; and I quickly formed a plan by which they, and perhaps I myself, might be saved. But no time was to be lost; andas they were about to take me away, I called out to my wife's nurse, Sringālika, who had followed me, "Begone, old wretch! and tell thatvile harlot your mistress, and her paramour, Dhanamittra, that shewill never see her ornaments, nor he his magic purse again. I care notfor life, if I am revenged on those two wretches. "

The old woman being remarkably quick-witted, at once understood myobject in speaking thus, and very humbly accosting the police said:"Worthy sir, I entreat you to wait a moment, while I ask your prisonerwhere he has hid the ornaments of my mistress. "

To, this they assented, and coming to me, she said: "O, sir, yourjealousy is without cause; whatever attentions that man may have paidmy mistress, she is not to blame. Now that you are taken from her, shewill have no means of support, and must go on the stage again. Howcan she do this without her ornaments? Take compassion on her, and saywhere you have hid them. "

Then, as if my anger were appeased, I answered: "Why should I, who amabout to die, harbour resentment? Come close, and I will whisper whereI have put them. " In this manner I managed to give her a few hurriedinstructions. She went away, with many blessings on me, and thanks tothe men for their kindness; and I was taken to the king's prison. 

At that time the governor of the prison was a very conceited youngman, named Kantaka, who had lately succeeded to the office by thedeath of his father. When I was brought in, looking at me in a verycontemptuous manner, he said: "So you are the thief who has committedso many robberies. If you do not give up the stolen property, andespecially the magic purse, you shall suffer every possible variety oftorture before you are put to death. "

I answered, smiling, "Even though I should give up all the otherstolen property, I will never let the purse go back to that wretchDhanamittra, my greatest enemy. You may try all your tortures; youwill never get this secret out of me. "

Finding the fear of torture to have no effect, the next day he triedpromises; and so went on from day to day, with alternate soothing andthreatening. 

Meanwhile, my wounds were attended to, and I was well fed; so that Ihad regained my strength when, one day, Sringālika made herappearance, well dressed, and with cheerful countenance. 

To my surprise, she was allowed to speak to me in private. She said tome, joyfully "Your plan has succeeded. As you directed, I went toDhanamittra and told him, from you: 'You must go to the king, and say, "The magic purse so lately restored has again been stolen by one whomI regarded as a friend--a certain gambler, the husband of the actressRāgamanjari. He has taken it from spite, being jealous of his wife, towhom, from kindness, I often made presents. He is now in prison forother offences; and if, he is put to death immediately, as hedeserves, I fear that I shall never recover my purse. I pray, therefore, that he may not be executed before he has confessed whereit is concealed. For he admits having taken it; but declares that hewill not give it up, unless his life is spared. " Your friend, admiring your ingenuity, and having full confidence in your resources, immediately went to the king and obtained his request, so that yourlife is safe for the present. '

"Meanwhile, with the help of gifts furnished by my mistress, I haveformed an intimacy with the nurse of the Princess Ambālika, and havebeen introduced by her to the princess, whose favour I have gained bytelling her amusing stories, and whom I have induced to feel aninterest in the misfortune of my mistress. 

"One day, when I was standing near her in the gallery round thecourt-yard of the palace, Kantaka, having some business or other, passed through below us. Picking up a flower which the princess haddropped, I let it fall on his head; and when he looked up to see fromwhose hand it came, I managed to make the princess laugh at somethingwhich I said; and the conceited fool, thinking that it was she who haddropped it to attract his attention, went away looking quite pleasedand confused. 

"That same evening I received a present for my mistress, a smallbasket marked with the signet of the princess, and containing articlesof no great value. This I took to Kantaka; and begging him to observethe strictest secrecy, made him believe that the princess had sent itto him. He was even delighted when, another day, I brought him a dirtydress, telling him that she had worn it. 

"Finding him quite ready to believe this, and convinced that she wasin love with him, I kept up an imaginary correspondence, bringingvery loving messages from her, which I invented, and receiving manyfrom him in return, which I took care not to deliver. His presents, ofcourse, I kept for myself. 

"In this manner I have raised his hopes very high; and to encouragehim still further, I said: 'I have heard from a learned astrologer, with whom I am acquainted, that you have certain marks upon you whichindicate that you will one day be a king. This love on the part of theprincess tends to the fulfilment of the prediction. You are thereforeon the high road to fortune. If you have spirit enough to pursue it, all you have to do now is to obtain a secret interview with the lady;the rest will follow in due time. '

"'But how can I manage this?' he asked. 'The wall of the garden, ' Ireplied, 'communicating with the princess's apartments, is separatedfrom those of the gaol by a space of a few yards only. You could notget over these walls; but you might make an underground passage, andslip in unobserved; and I will take care that there shall be some oneto receive and conduct you to the princess. When once with her, youare safe; for all her attendants are attached to her; not one wouldbetray the secret. '

"'But how can I make this underground passage?' he asked. 'I cannotdig it myself, or employ workmen. '

"'Have you no clever thief here, ' I replied, 'accustomed to suchwork?'

"'Well suggested, ' he answered. 'I have just the right man. '

"'Who is he?' I said. 

"'That man who has stolen the magic purse, ' said he. 'If he will setto work with a good will he will soon dig his way through. '

"'Very good, ' I answered. 'You must persuade him by promising to lethim go when the work is done. But it would never do for him to be inthe secret; therefore, when he has finished, put on his fetters again, and report to the king that he is exceedingly obstinate; that you havetried all other means to make him confess, and that nothing remainsbut to put him to torture. No doubt the king will give ordersaccordingly; and you can easily manage so to inflict it that he shalldie under it. When he is dead, your secret will be safe; you can visitthe princess as often as you like; and, doubtless, in the end theking, rather than disgrace his daughter, will consent to yourmarriage; and as he has no other child, will make you his successor. '

"With this proposal he was quite delighted; and has been treating youwell, that you may have strength for the work. He intends to ask youto begin to-night; and has sent me to persuade you, believing me to bedevoted to his interests, and looking forward to some great rewardwhen he has got his wish. "

Having heard this from the old woman, I gave her great praise, andsaid: "Lose no time. Tell him I am quite ready to do the work. "

After this, Kantaka came to me, told me what he wanted, and swore asolemn oath that I should be liberated when the work was done; and I, in return, swore to keep his secret. 

Then he took off my fetters; I got a bath and a good dinner, andpresently set to work in a dark corner, under the wall. Soon aftermidnight the work was done, and an opening made into the courtyard ofthe women's apartments. 

Before returning, I thought to myself "This man has sworn an oathwhich he intends to break: for the preservation of my own life, therefore, I shall be justified in killing him. "

Having formed this resolution, I went back to the prison, whereKantaka was waiting for me. He told me it was necessary to replace myfetters for the present; and I appeared to acquiesce. But as he wasstooping to fasten them, I gave him a violent kick; and before hecould recover himself, I had snatched a short sword which he wore, andcut off his head. 

I then returned to Sringālika, who had remained in the prison, andsaid to her: "I am not disposed to have had all this toil for nothing. Tell me the way into the ladies' rooms. I will go there and stealsomething before I make my escape. "

Having received her directions, I passed again through the tunnelwhich I had made, came up into the court-yard; and from thence entereda large, lofty room lighted by jewelled lamps, where a number of womenwere sleeping. 

There, on a couch ornamented with beautifully carved flowers andresting on lions' feet, I saw the princess, covered only by a thinsilken petticoat, half sunk into a soft white feather-bed, likelightning on an autumn cloud. 

Fast asleep, as if wearied by much play, she lay in a very gracefulattitude, with her delicate ancles crossed, her knees slightly drawnup; one lovely hand laid loosely on her side, the other beneath herhead; her full bosom, slowly heaved by gentle breathing, illuminatedby the ruby necklace strung on burnished gold; the top-knot of herloosened hair hanging down like some graceful flower; her lips sobright that the opening of the mouth could hardly be distinguished;her features in calm repose, shaded by her lovely ringlets. 

I had entered so softly that no one was disturbed; and I stood gazingfor some time lost in admiration of her beauty, quite forgetting thepurpose for which I had come. 

I thought, she is, after all, the lady of my heart. If I do not obtainher, Kāma will not suffer me to live; but how can I make known my loveto her? Were I now to wake her, she would start up with a cry ofalarm, and I should probably lose my life. I must think of some otherway of letting her know my love. 

Then, looking round, I saw laid on a shelf a thin board prepared forpainting, and a box of paints and brushes. With these I made a hastysketch of the princess as she lay, and of myself kneeling at her feet, and underneath it I wrote this verse:--

 "Of thee thy slave in humble attitude thus prays: Sleep on, not worn like me by pervading love. "

I then painted on the wall near her a pair of chakravākas in lovingattitude, gently took off her ring, replacing it with mine, andslipped out without disturbing any of the sleepers. 

There was at that time among the prisoners a man named Sinhaghosha, formerly a chief officer of police, but now imprisoned through afalse accusation made by Kantaka. 

With this man I had already made acquaintance, and I now went to himand told him how I had killed Kantaka. With his consent I went forthfrom the prison, and walked away with Sringālika. We had not gone farwhen we fell in with a patrol. I thought to myself I could easily runaway from them; but what would become of the poor old woman? she wouldcertainly be caught. Hastily determining, therefore, on what was bestto be done, I walked right up to them with unsteady gait and idioticlook, and said: "Sirs, if I am a thief kill me, but you have no rightto touch this old woman. "

She, perceiving my intention, came up, and very humbly said: "Honouredsirs, this young man is my son. He has been for some time confined asa lunatic; but was supposed to be cured, and I brought him homeyesterday. In the middle of the night, however, he started up, andcalling out: 'I will kill Kantaka and make love to the king'sdaughter, ' rushed out into the street. I have at last overtaken him, and am trying to take him home. Will you be so good as to help me, andtie his hands behind him that he may not get away again?"

As she said this, I called out: "O old woman, who ever bound a god orthe wind, Shall these crows catch an eagle?" and started off at fullspeed. She, renewing her entreaties, begged them to pursue me; butthey only laughed at her, and said: "Do you think we have nothing todo but to run after madmen? You must be as mad as he is to have takenhim out;" and so they went on their way. 

I stopped when I found I was not pursued. She soon overtook me, andwe went to my house, to the great joy of my wife, who had scarcelyhoped for my deliverance. 

In the morning I saw Dhanamittra, told him all that had happened, andthanked him for following my directions so punctually. 

After this I went to the forest, to see Mārķchi. I found him restoredto his former condition, and able to give me the desired information. From him I learnt that you would be here about this time. 

In the morning after my escape, Sinhaghosha informed the king of whathad happened, and how Kantaka had been killed when about to enter theprincess's apartments. Being found to be innocent of the crime ofwhich he was accused, he was appointed governor of the prison inKantaka's place. 

Before the underground passage was filled up, he permitted me to passthrough it more than once to the princess, who was favourably disposedtowards me through the picture and verse, and still more by all thatSringālika had said in my favour. 

No great search was made after me, and by keeping quiet and going outonly at night I escaped further arrest. 

You know how Chandavarma besieged Champa, and how Sinhavarma wasdefeated and taken prisoner. When I heard this, and how the conquerorintended to force the princess to marry him, I went to Dhanamittra andsaid: "Do you go about among the ministers and officers of theimprisoned king and the principal citizens, and tell them to be readyto attack the enemy as soon as they hear of the death of Chandavarma. I will engage to kill him to-morrow. "

How Dhanamittra has performed his part you have just seen. As tomyself, I put on a dress suitable for the occasion, and, as manypersons were going in and out of the palace, managed to slip inunobserved and get very near the intending bridegroom. Suddenlystretching out my arm as he was about to take the hand of theprincess, I gave him a mortal wound with a sword; then saying a fewhasty words of encouragement to her, I defended myself against thosewho endeavoured to seize me, till I heard your welcome voice, deep asthe sound of thunder, and had the happiness of embracing you. 

Rājavāhana, having heard this story, said "You have indeed shownwonderful ingenuity and courage;" then he turned to Upahāravarma, andsaid: "It is now your turn;" and he, having made due salutation, thusbegan:--

 * * * * *

ADVENTURES OF UPAHĀRAVARMA. 

While wandering about like the others, I cams one day into the countryof Videha. Before entering into Mithila, the capital, I stopped torest at a small temple, and found there an old woman, who gave mewater for my feet. 

Observing that she looked at me very hard, and that tears came intoher eyes, I asked her: "O, mother, what is the cause of your grief?"

"You bring to my mind, " she answered, the remembrance of my lostfoster-child, who, if he lives, is just about your age. But I willtell you how he was lost. 

"Prahāravarma was formerly king of this country. His queen was a verydear friend of Vasumati; wife of Rājahansa, King of Magadha, and hewent with her and his twin sons to visit that king. How he wasconquered and driven from his dominions by the King of Mālwa you havedoubtless heard. It was shortly before that invasion that the visitwas made. In the battle which was fought, Prahāravarma assisted hisfriend, and was taken prisoner, but was subsequently liberated. 

"When returning to his own kingdom, he heard that a rebellion hadbroken out, headed by his brother's son, Vikatavarma. He thereforeturned aside through a forest road, in the direction of Suhma, hopingto obtain assistance from his sister's son, the king of that country. On the march, he was attacked and plundered by Bheels; and I, havingcharge of one of his children, was separated from the party, and leftbehind in the forest. 

"There I was attacked, by a tiger, and dropped the child. The tigerwas killed by an arrow; but I fainted away, and when I recovered, thechild was gone, taken away, I suppose, by the Bheels. Having beenfound and taken care of by a compassionate cowherd, I stayed at hiscottage till my wounds were healed. 

"Longing to get back to my friends, and to hear some tidings of mymistress, I was surprised one day by the appearance of my daughter, who had been, with me, in charge of the other child. 

"After mutual congratulations and embraces, she told me her story asfollows: 'After we were parted, I was wounded by the robbers, lostthe child, and was found wandering about by one of the foresters, whotook care of me, and afterwards wished to make me his wife. I was toomuch disgusted with him and his way of life to consent; and, aftermany threats, he would at last have killed me, but for the opportunearrival of a young man who happened to be passing, and rescued me fromhis hands. That young man has since become my husband. We have beensearching for you, and have now happily found you. '

"I asked who the man was. He answered: 'I am a servant of the King ofMithila, to whom I am now going. ' Then we all three went to Mithila, and told the king and queen the sad news of the loss of theirchildren. 

"The war was still going on, and at last the king was overcome andimprisoned, together with his queen, by his wicked nephew. 

"Since then I have been living as a mendicant. My daughter, whosehusband was killed in the war, being destitute like myself, hasentered the service of Kalpasundari, queen of the usurper. Ah! ifthose princes had lived, they would have rescued their father fromsuch degradation. "

She began then to weep and lament; but I comforted her, and said: "Doyou not remember speaking to a certain muni, and telling him of theloss of the child? That boy was found by him. I am he, and I willcontrive some means for killing that wicked usurper, and setting myparents free. No one can recognise me here, not even my own mother, were she to see me; therefore I shall be able at my leisure toconsider what is best to be done. "

Exceedingly delighted at hearing this, she kissed me again and again, and said, with tears of joy: "O, darling! a glorious fortune is beforeyou. Now you are here, all will be well; you will soon lift up yourparents from the sea of sorrow which has engulfed them. Happy is QueenPriyamvada in having such a son!"

Then she gave me such food as she had, and I stayed with her, andpassed the night in that temple. 

As I lay awake, I turned over in my mind every plan that suggesteditself to me for the accomplishment of my purpose. Knowing howready-witted women are in general, and their fondness for tricks andintrigues, it occurred to me that my foster-sister, from her positionnear the queen, might be able to give me material assistance. 

In the morning, after worshipping the gods, I began to question theold woman as to her knowledge of the interior of the palace, and askedwhether she had frequent opportunities of seeing her daughter. Scarcely had she begun to answer my questions when I saw some onecoming towards us, and she exclaimed: "O, Pushkarika, behold ourmaster's son; that dear child whom I so carelessly lost in the forestwas found and preserved, and is now restored to us. "

Great was the daughter's delight at seeing me; and, when her agitationhad subsided, her mother said to her: "I was just beginning to tell mydear son something of the arrangement of the palace, and the habits ofthe inmates; but you can give him the required information much betterthan I can. "

In answer to this she told me all the arrangements of the palace, andadded: "The Queen Kalpasundari, the daughter of the sovereign ofKumāra, is exceedingly beautiful and accomplished. She despises herhusband, who is exceedingly ugly; but though unkindly treated, andneglected, she has hitherto been faithful to him. "

Hearing this, I said to her: "Whenever you have an opportunity, dwellon the king's licentiousness; find out, if possible, his scandalousamours; make much of them; tell her how other women have behaved insimilar circumstances; in short, do everything to stir up herindignation and jealousy against him; and, as soon as possible, let meknow what she says. You may help me greatly in this affair; thereforebe diligent and observant, and be as much as possible with yourmistress. "

Then I said to the old woman: "You must also play your part. You canbe introduced to the queen as a woman skilled in charms andfortune-telling. When you get her to listen to you, make the most ofthe opportunity, and second your daughter's endeavours. "

They both promised to do their utmost. After they were gone I took asmall house, close to the wall of the royal gardens, and waitedpatiently for the result. 

After some days the old woman came to me, and said: "Darling, we havedone exactly as you wished. The queen has taken a great fancy to me, is very indignant with her husband, and thinks herself greatly to bepitied. What is now to be done?"

I then painted a portrait of myself, and said: "Show this to thequeen; she will no doubt admire it, and say: 'Is this a portrait or afancy picture?' Then do you answer: 'Suppose it should be a portraitof some living person; what then?' And whatever she says in reply letme know as soon as possible. "

The next day she came to me again, and said: "When I showed yourportrait to the queen, she gazed at it a long time, and seemed lost inadmiration; then she exclaimed, 'Who can have painted this? Is itpossible that such a handsome man can exist in the world? Surely thereis no one here like this!' I answered, 'O lady, your admiration isquite natural, such a handsome man is very rarely to be found, butstill there might be such a one; and if this should be really theportrait of a young man, longing to see you--not only thus handsome, but of good birth, very learned, accomplished, and good-tempered--what would you say then?' 'What would I say? I say, that if he willbe mine, all that I can give him in return, myself, my heart, my body, my life, will be all too little. But surely you are only deceiving me;there never can be such a charming person as this picture represents. '

"In answer to this, I said: 'I am not deceiving you. There is reallysuch a person, a young prince, who is staying here in disguise; he sawyou when you were walking in the public park, at the feast of Spring, and immediately became a mark for the arrows of Kāma. Moved by hisentreaties, and seeing how suited you are to each other, I haveventured to take this means of making his passion known to you. If youwill but consent to see him, however difficult access to you may be, his courage, prudence, and ingenuity are so great, that he willcertainly effect it; only say what your pleasure is. ' Then, findingher quite disposed to see you, I told her your real name and birth. After reflecting some time, she said, 'Mother, I will not conceal fromyou a circumstance which his name brings to my memory. My father was agreat friend of the deposed king, and their queens were very muchattached to each other. It was settled between them, that if the onehad a son, and the other a daughter, the two children should beengaged for marriage; but when the Queen Priyamvada had lost her sons, my father gave me in marriage to Vikatavarma. This young prince wasreally destined to be my husband, and I ought to have had him, insteadof that ugly wretch, who is stupid, ignorant of all the arts ofpleasing, brutal, rebellious, cruel, boastful, false, and, above all, most insulting in his behaviour to me; only yesterday he ill-treatedmy favourite attendant, Pushkarika, and gathered flowers from a plantwhich I had especially cherished, to give to one of his paramours, alow vulgar woman, who is trying to put herself on an equality with me. He is in every way unsuited to me, and my misery is so great, that Iam ready to catch at any means of escape from it. It was wretchedenough while I thought on no one else, but now that I have heard ofthis charming young man, and seen his portrait, I will endure it nolonger, whatever the consequences may be. Therefore, let him cometo-morrow evening to the Madhavi bower in the garden. I am impatientto see him; even the hearing of him has filled my heart with love. '"

When the old nurse had given me this account, I determined to risk theadventure, and obtained from her a minute description of the garden, the direction of the road and paths, the exact situation of thesummerhouse where I was to meet the queen, and where the guards werestationed. 

Having carefully impressed all these details on my memory, I waitedimpatiently for the following night, and lay down to rest. As I lay Ithought on the difficulty of the enterprise, of the sin of seducingthe wife of another, and of what Rājavāhana and my other friends wouldsay to such conduct. On the other hand, I seemed to be justified bythe object I had in view; the liberation of my parents. 

Perplexed with these conflicting thoughts I fell asleep, and dreamedthat Vishnu appeared to me, and said: "Go on boldly, withouthesitation; what you are about to do, though it may seem sinful, isapproved of by me. " Encouraged by this vision, I rose in the morning, fully confirmed in my purpose. The tedious day came at last to an end, and darkness set in. 

When the proper time arrived, I put on a close-fitting dark dress, girded on my sword, and set out on the dangerous enterprise. 

Concealed at the edge of the ditch, I found a long bamboo, which theold woman had procured for me. This I laid across, and so got to thebottom of the wall. Then, cautiously raising it, I climbed to the top, just where a large heap of bricks had been piled up inside. Usingthese as steps, I got safely to the ground, and walked northward, through an avenue of champaka trees, where, as a favourable omen, Iheard the low murmuring cry of a pair of chakravākas. Taking analmost opposite direction, I saw before me what appeared to be a greatbuilding, and it was only by touching it that I found it to be a clumpof trees. Going eastward, and turning once more to the south, I passedthrough some mango trees, and saw the light of a lantern shining amongthe leaves. I then knew that I was right, and went straight up to thebower, inside of which was a summer-house, with steps leading up toit, and spread with soft twigs and flowers for a carpet. The room wasfurnished with a handsome couch, a golden water-jar, trays of flowers, fans, &c. After I had been seated a short time, I heard the tinklingof ornaments and smelt a powerful perfume. Rising up hastily, Islipped out, and stood concealed by the shrubs outside. Presently Isaw the lady enter; she looked about her, and not seeing me, wasevidently disappointed and distressed. I heard her say, with a sad lowvoice, "Alas! I am deceived, he is not coming; O my heart, how canthis be borne? O adorable Kāma, what have I done to offend thee, thatthou thus burnest me and dost not reduce me to ashes?"

Having heard this, I made my appearance, and said: "O lovely lady, doyou ask how you have offended Kāma? You have given him great offence, since you disparage his beloved Rati by your form, his bow by yourarched eyebrows, his arrows by your glances, his great friend, theperfumed wind of Malaya, by your sweet breath, the notes of hisfavourite bird by your voice. For all this Kāma justly torments you. But I have done nothing to offend him; why should he so distress me?Have pity on me, and cure the wound inflicted by the serpent of love, with the life-giving antidote of an affectionate look. "

Delighted at seeing me, she required no entreaty on my part, andreadily yielded to my embrace; and, sitting down on the couch, weconversed as though we had been long acquainted. 

At last the time for separation arrived, and I rose up to go; but shewith tears detained me, saying: "When you depart, my life seems tofollow. If you go, let me go with you. "

I answered: "O my beloved, that is impossible. If you love me, beguided by me, and we shall soon meet again, not to be parted. "

This she readily promised, and I told her exactly what was to be done. Then quitting her with reluctance, I returned safely by the way I hadcome, and she went back to the palace. 

The next day she showed the picture to the king, who greatly admiredit, and asked her where she had got it. She told him: "I have latelymade acquaintance with a very wonderful old woman, who has travelledover many countries and seen many strange things; she is very skilfulin charms, and has brought me this picture, saying: 'It has very greatmagical powers, and so confident am I in their efficacy that I ask forno payment or reward until you have fully proved them. ' She tells methat if certain ceremonies are performed, and mantras which she hastaught me, are recited in a retired spot at midnight, I shall bechanged to a person exactly resembling the portrait, and shall havethe power of transferring that form to you while I regain my ownshape. I have thought it right to tell you this; but do not acthastily: show the picture to your ministers and consult them. "

The king, greatly astonished, but very desirous of obtaining such ahandsome body, asked the opinion of his counsellors and youngerbrothers, and they saw no reason why the experiment should not betried. 

The hour of midnight on the day of full moon was therefore appointedfor the ceremony, and there was much talk in the city about it. 

"O the wonderful power of magic! Through the skill of the queen, theking will obtain a new body fit for a god. "

"But is there no danger?"

"How can there be danger when the ceremony is to be performed by hisown queen, in his own private gardens, where no stranger can enter?Besides, have not the learned and clever ministers and counsellorsapproved of it, and is it likely that they would be deceived?"

The city was full of such talk as this, and the people awaited withimpatience the night appointed for the working of the miracle. 

When the time arrived a great heap was made in a part of the gardenwhere four roads met, not far from the summer-house, with largequantities of sandal-wood, lignaloes, and other sweet-smelling woods, camphor, silk dresses, sesamum, saffron, and various spices; andseveral animals, duly slaughtered by the priests, were laid upon it;and the fire having been lighted, every one withdrew except the kingand queen. She then said to him: "You know how faithless you have beento me, and with this handsome body you will be a much greaterattraction to other women. I know the fickleness of your disposition. Can you expect that I will confer on you this beauty for the sake ofmy rivals?"

Then he threw himself at her feet, and said "O my darling, forgive mytransgressions. I swear by everything solemn that in future I willkeep to you only, and not even think of any other woman. "

After these and many other protestations, she appeared to besatisfied, and said: "Now withdraw to that clump of trees, and staythere till I ring the bell; then you may come again to the fire andsee the wonderful change in me. "

Meanwhile, under cover of the thick smoke arising from the burning ofall those substances, I had climbed the wall as before, and wasstanding in the summer-house when the queen came in. She said:"Everything is ready. I regard myself now as entirely yours; nothingshall part us any more;" and, throwing her arms round my neck, shekissed me again and again. 

Saying to her, "Stay here concealed while I finish the work, " Iquitted her, went to the place of sacrifice, and rang a bell hangingon a neighbouring tree; and the sound summoned the king, like amessenger of death. 

He found me standing by the fire, throwing on it more sandal-wood, lignaloes, and other precious things; and as he stood gazing in fearand astonishment, and hardly believing his eyes, I said to him:"Remember what you have promised, and now swear to me again, takingthis sacred fire as a witness, that you will renounce all other women, and keep to me only. "

He answered: "O queen, there is no deceit in me. I will do all that Ihave promised, " and he repeated his former oaths. 

But as if not satisfied with this, I said: "I must have some otherproof of your sincerity. Tell me some of your state secrets. "

Then he told me: "My father's brother, Prahāravarma, has been for along time in prison; with the consent of my ministers, I intend topoison him, and give out that he has died of old age and infirmities. 

"I am preparing an army, to be commanded by my brother, for theinvasion of Pundra without any declaration of war. 

"There is a merchant here possessed of a diamond of immense value. I'am contriving a plan by which I shall get it from him at a tenth ofits worth. 

"There is a man of wealth and influence very displeasing to me. I haveengaged a certain person, named Satahali, the governor of thedistrict, to bring a false accusation against him, and by that meansto stir up the people, and so cause his death in a popular tumult, which will take away all blame or suspicion from me. "

When I had heard all these things, saying, "Die the death which yourwicked deeds deserve, " I suddenly seized him by the throat, stabbedhim in a moment to the heart, and threw the body into the great fire, where it was quickly consumed; after which I went back to the queen, who was anxiously awaiting me. Though much agitated, she was morerelieved at having got rid of that wretch than shocked at the mannerof his death; and having quieted and consoled her without muchdifficulty, I went at once with her to her apartments. 

On seeing him, whom they believed to be the king, so changed, thewomen and attendants who met us were evidently much astonished, but somuch had been said beforehand about the wonderful transformation to beexpected, that no one seemed to doubt that I was really the king witha new body; and having said a few words of encouragement to them, Iwas received with great respect. 

The rest of the night was passed in hearing from the queen as much aspossible about the court, the ministers, &c. , so that I might notappear to be ignorant of what the king must have known, when I shouldmeet them on the morrow. 

In the morning, after the performance of due worship of the gods, Imet the ministers in council, and they also were so convinced of thepower of magic that they did not hesitate to acknowledge me as theirmaster, expressing their delight at the happy change. 

Then I said to them: "With this new body I have new feelings andpurposes. I repent of my cruelty to my uncle, and instead of gettingrid of him as I had intended, it is my pleasure that he shall be takenfrom prison and treated with all proper respect. 

"That diamond, of which I had intended to get possession, must not beobtained by fraudulent means. If I should decide on having it, I willpay the full price. "

To the brother who had been appointed to command the army, I said:"Dear brother, our purpose is changed with regard to that invasion. You will only watch the frontier; and if there is any beginning of waron the part of the Pundras, attack them vigorously; but nototherwise. "

I sent also for Satahali, and said: "You know that I wished to getrid of Anantasķra, because he was suspected of being a partisan of thedeposed king. Now that I am reconciled to my uncle, there is nooccasion for anything to be done to him; you will therefore take nofurther steps in that affair. "

When the ministers heard all this, and perceived me to be acquaintedwith secrets known only to the king and themselves, they were quiteconfirmed in their first impression; and while congratulating me andthe queen, were loud in their praise of the power of magic. 

My parents were immediately liberated from prison; and having beeninformed by the old nurse of what had been done by me, were quiteprepared when I went to them in public; and afterwards, when we metin private, were able to give way to their feelings of affection anddelight at seeing me again. 

After a short time, with the consent of my wife, I resigned the crown, and reinstated my parents in their former position; retaining formyself the dignity of heir-apparent. 

Soon afterwards, a letter arrived from Sinhavarma, an old friend of myfather's, congratulating him on his restoration, and asking for helpagainst Chandavarma, who was marching to attack him. Upon which Ihastily equipped an army, and marched to his assistance; and have nowhad the great happiness of meeting with you, as well as of helping todefeat the enemy. 

Rājavāhana having heard this story, smiled, and said: "Truly, ourfriend here has committed great sins; but how can I blame him whenhis motives were so good, and he had the praiseworthy object ofliberating from a long imprisonment those who are so dear to him, andof punishing the usurper and oppressor? His courage and ingenuity havebeen great; and I congratulate him on his success. "

Then turning to Arthapāla, he said: "Do you relate your adventures. "And he immediately began his story in the following manner:--

 * * * * *

ADVENTURES OF ARTHAPĀLA. 

My Lord, having the same object as your other friends, I wanderedabout over various countries in search of you. In the course of mytravels, I arrived one day at the sacred city of Benāres. There Ibathed in the pure crystal water of the river; and duly worshipped themighty god, the slayer of Andhaka, at his temple outside the city. After finishing my devotions, I was going on my way, when I saw atall, stout man, carrying an iron club, with his eyes red and swelledfrom weeping, and engaged in making a noose with his sash. 

I thought to myself: "This man has fallen into some great calamity. He is thinking of doing violence to himself or to others. I will seeif I can assist him. " I therefore went up to him, and said: "Thisconduct of yours seems to indicate some rash purpose. May I know thecause of your grief? Perhaps I may be able to help you. "

He hesitated for a moment, and looked very hard at me; but at last hesaid: "What harm can there be in telling you? You shall know mytroubles, if you wish to learn them. "

Then we sat down together under a shady tree, and he began his tale asfollows: "O, fortunate sir, I was once as happy as you appear to be. My father was in good circumstances, and brought me up carefully; butI preferred a wild, dissipated life, and at last became a robber. Onenight I broke into the house of a rich man in this city, was caughtin the act, and condemned to death. 

"My hands were fettered by being passed through holes in a heavy pieceof wood; and in this state I was led out for execution into a publicsquare, where a furious elephant was brought forward to trample me todeath. When he came near me, I shouted as loudly as possible, in orderto frighten him; and lifting up my arms, gave him a violent blow onthe trunk. Upon this, he turned away; and as I continued to shout outand abuse him, all the efforts of the driver to make him attack mewere in vain. 

"Again and again, with much difficulty, the driver brought him infront of me; but each time, instead of attacking me, he turned back, alarmed by my menacing appearance and loud shouts; and at last ranright away, leaving me uninjured. 

"The courage which I had shown was observed by the king's chiefminister, Kāmapāla, who was looking on from one of the towers of thepalace; and he sent for me, and said: 'You seem to be a very strong, brave man. I did not think that elephant could have been so cowed byany one. It is a pity that such qualities should not be betteremployed. Are you willing, if you are pardoned, to forsake your evilways, and lead an honest life? If you will give me a promise to thiseffect, I will take you into my service. '

"I gladly gave the promise which he required; and he obtained mypardon, and became my protector and master; and I have served himfaithfully ever since. After some years, seeing my devotion to him, heplaced great confidence in me, and one day told me his own history. 

"'There was, ' said he, 'formerly at Pushpapuri a very learned andpious man, named Dharmapāla, one of the king's ministers. His eldestson was like him; but I, the youngest, was of a very differentdisposition. I had no inclination for work or study; but thought onlyof amusement, and spent my time among gamblers and disreputablecharacters. My father and brother did all they could to restrain me;but, impatient of their control, I left my home and friends, andwandered about the world. One day I came to this city, Benāres, andnot long after my arrival, I made acquaintance with the king'sdaughter, who, with her female friends, was playing at ball in a parkoutside the town. We fell in love with each other; and I contrived, bydisguising myself as a woman, to enter her private apartments and tohave many secret meetings with her; the result of which was the birthof a child. 

"'The devoted attendants kept the whole affair secret, removed theinfant as soon as it was born, and telling the mother it was dead, gave it to a savari woman, who carried it to the public cemetery andleft it there. 

"'As she was returning; she was stopped by the watchmen, and in herfright told them what she had done. Information was given to the king, and further inquiry being made, my offence was discovered, and onenight I was arrested, while quietly sleeping unsuspicious of danger. Being condemned to death, I was led to execution outside the city. Bya fortunate chance I got my hands free, and snatching the sword fromthe executioner, laid about me so vigorously that all the men fellback, and I made my escape to the forest. There I wandered about forsome time, subsisting on wild fruits and roots, and sleeping in thetrees. 

"'While living this precarious life, I was one day astonished atmeeting a young lady, with many female attendants. She addressed me bymy name, and desired me to sit down with her, under a large tree. 

"'When, with much surprise, I asked who she was, and how she came tobe in that wild forest, with such a retinue, and why I was so favouredby her, she told me the reason of her coming, saying: My name isTārāvali. I am the daughter of a chief Yaksha. A short time ago Iwent to visit a friend, living on the Malaya Mountains, and whileflying through the air on my return, as I passed over the cemetery ofBenāres, I heard the cry of a child. 

"'Moved with compassion, I alighted on the ground, took it up andcarried it to my father. He took it to our master, the god Kuvera, whosent for me, and asked, "What induced you to bring this child?" "Astrong feeling of compassion, " I answered, as if it had been my own. 

"'You are right, ' he replied; 'there is good reason for what you havedone;' and he showed me how, in a former existence, when you wereSudraka and I Aryadāsi, the child, now born of the Princess Kantimati, was ours; therefore, I am really your wife, and it was indeed amaternal instinct which prompted me to save the infant. Kuvera, however, would not allow me to keep the boy, but ordered me to takehim to the Queen Vasumati, that he might be brought up together withher son, who will one day become a great monarch. 

"Having performed the command of the god, I am permitted by him tofind you out, and relieve you from your present distress. "

"So saying, she embraced me, and afterwards took me to a fairy palacein the forest, furnished with all comforts and luxuries, where Ipassed some time with her in great happiness. 

"One day, when she was expressing her great love for me, I said: 'Ihave a strong desire to take some vengeance on the king who would haveput me to death. ' Upon which, with a smile, she said, 'Ah! you wishto see Kantimati; I am not jealous, I will take you to her. '

"Then lifting me up, she bore me through the air to the palace, andwithout disturbing the guards, placed me at the bedside of the king. 

"Grasping a sword lying near him, I awakened him, and said: 'I am, your son-in-law; I took your daughter without your consent, and am nowcome to make submission and atone for my fault. "

"Seeing the drawn sword held over him he was much alarmed, and said:'I must have been mad to act as I did and reject such a son-in-law; Iwill now acknowledge you, and you shall duly marry my daughter. '

"He kept his word, the next day announced the intended marriage to allthe court, and shortly afterwards publicly gave me his daughter. 

"Tārāvali remained with me, became great friends with her fellow-wife, told her the story which she had related to me, and how her son hadbeen preserved and was taken care of by Queen Vasumati. 

"Thus I have for some years lived happily, holding, as you know, avery important office. "

[End of the story of Kāmapāla as told to his servant. ]

 * * * * *

"Some time after this, the death of the old king occurred, and as theeldest son had died during his father's lifetime, of consumptionbrought on by dissipation and debauchery; my master, together with theother ministers, placed Sinhaghosha, a boy about five years old, onthe throne, and had him carefully educated. 

"As the young king grew older, he was surrounded by companions nearerhis own age, and they not liking the restraint put upon them by thewise and prudent Kāmapāla, endeavoured secretly to excite a prejudiceagainst him, saying, 'This fellow, who sets himself up to be so wiseand virtuous, is a wicked wretch, who first seduced the princess, andthen, having escaped the death he so well deserved, managed to get tothe bedside of the sleeping king, and to frighten him into compliancewith his demands. This Kāmapāla intends to make himself king; hepoisoned your eldest brother, and only spared you in order to obtainthe support of the people, knowing that the real power would remain inhis own hands. Depend on it you will not be suffered to live when youare old enough to shake off his authority. If you wish to be safe youshould get rid of him at once. '

"With these, and other similar speeches, they so prejudiced the youngking against his guardian and minister, that he would gladly have gotrid of him at once, but was deterred by fear of the power of hisYaksha wife. 

"One day the queen, seeing the Princess Kantimati very sad, asked herthe reason of her sadness, saying, 'Tell me the truth; you cannotdeceive me; what is the cause of this depression?' 'Did I ever deceiveyou?' she answered; 'my friend and fellow-wife, Tārāvali, has takenoffence at something done or said by our husband, and though we triedto soothe her, she went away, and has not returned; this is the causeof my distress. '

"The queen hearing this, immediately told her husband, 'Kāmapāla hasquarrelled with his fairy wife, and she has left him. There is nothingnow to prevent your proceeding against him as you please. '

"Sinhaghosha, longing to be freed from restraint, caused his ministerto 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 thatchild who was exposed in the cemetery, and saved by the fairy. Mycoming here is indeed opportune, and with your assistance I willengage to deliver my father. I would boldly attack the guards as theylead him round the city, but fear, lest in the confusion he might bekilled, when all my exertions would have been in vain; some other planmust therefore be thought of. "

While I was thus speaking to him a serpent put out his head from ahole near me, and, knowing how to charm serpents, I made it comeforth, and secured it. 

Then I said to Purnabhadra: "O friend, this is just what I wanted. Iwill mix with the crowd when my father is led round, let this serpentfall on him as if by chance, and then run up to him and say that I amskilled in charms, and can save his life. No doubt they will allow meto try, and I will stop the effect of the poison in such a manner thathe will not die, and yet remain insensible, as if dead. Meanwhile, doyou go to my mother, ask to see her in private, and tell her that theson whom she had lost is now here. Explain to her my plan for savingmy 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 forpermission to burn herself together with the dead body. When thisrequest is granted, as no doubt it will be, she must prepare thefuneral pile, and make ready for self-immolation, laying theapparently dead body on a couch in a private room till I come, when Iwill tell her what is further to be done. "

Purnabhadra, delighted with the plan which I proposed, no longerwished to destroy himself. He set out at once to do as I had directedhim, and I went immediately into the city. There I saw great crowdsalready collected, and ascertained where the executioner would standwhen the proclamation was made. 

Overhanging the place, there happened to be a large tree, with thickfoliage. Into this I climbed, and waited patiently, listening to thetalk of the people collected underneath. 

Presently the executioner and his men came, bringing the prisoner, andthe proclamation was made three times. 

"Know all men that this traitor, Kāmapāla, has not only poisoned thelate king and his eldest son, but has been convicted of plottingagainst the life of his present majesty; he endeavoured to persuadetwo of the king's faithful attendants to administer poison, but theyhave given information, and his life is justly forfeited; the king, however, in consideration of his being a brahman, and nearlyconnected with himself, has spared his life, and only sentenced him tohave his eyes put out. Let all evil-doers take warning by hispunishment. "

While this proclamation was being read, I climbed to a branch of thetree just over my father, and dropped on him the poisonous serpent, which immediately bit him. In the confusion which ensued, I slippeddown from the tree, and, having mixed with the crowd, managed, whileshouting out "This is a just punishment from heaven; so may alltraitors perish, " to get close to my father, and quickly applied acharm in such a manner that, though he fell down apparently dead, theeffect of the poison was stopped. The executioner being also bitten;and his assistants, as well as the crowd of spectators, being alarmedand dispersed from dread of the poisonous serpent; this act of minewas not noticed. 

Meanwhile, my mother, who had been prepared by Purnabhadra to hear ofher husband's death, went immediately to the king, attended by a largenumber of friends, and said; "The gods know if my husband was yourenemy or not; I will not now attempt to defend him; but, whether hewas innocent or guilty, your anger should cease now he is dead. I prayyou to allow me to burn his body, and according to the custom ofwidows of my rank, to ascend the funeral pile together with him. WereI not to perform this duty, disgrace would fall on you and on thewhole 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 isindeed the act of fate!" And, immediately granting her request, permitted the body of Kāmapāla to be taken to his own house, where Ihad by that time arrived, and was ready to receive it. 

Meanwhile, my mother prepared for death, and, resisting all theentreaties of her friends and servants, expressed her determination tobe burnt together with her husband. 

When everything for the funeral was arranged, she came into theprivate room, where the body had been laid, and there saw her husbandfully recovered, and me sitting by him. Great was her delight andastonishment at this wonderful and sudden change; and having firstembraced her husband, she threw her arms round me, and, with a voicebroken by sobs of joy, said: "O, my darling son, how can I deservesuch happiness?--I, who so cruelly abandoned you at your birth, andsuffered you to be taken away, as if dead? but your father was not toblame for that; he, indeed, deserves to have been restored to life byyou, and to have the happiness of seeing you. Cruel, indeed, wasTārāvali, who, when she had received you again from Kuvera, did notbring you at once to me; but what could I expect from her? It isthrough her unkindness in leaving us that all this misfortune hashappened; but I must not complain; I was not worthy, without previoussuffering, to enjoy such great happiness. Come and embrace me. "

Saying this, she again threw her arms round me, and kissed merepeatedly, trembling with emotion, and shedding many tears of joy. My father's feelings were scarcely less excited. He seemed to haverisen from the lowest depth of misery to the summit of felicity, andesteemed himself more fortunate than even Indra the King of the Gods. 

When we were all somewhat calmed, and I had explained to my father allthat had occurred, I said: "There is much yet to be done; the kingwill soon find out the deception which has been practised, and send toarrest you again; so we must consider how we can defend ourselves. "

My father answered: "This house is a very large one; the walls arestrong; there are many secret passages; I have a great store ofweapons; my servants are brave and faithful, so that we could hold outfor several days. Besides this I have many friends in the city; mostof the authorities will favour me; many of the soldiers will be on myside, and there are many persons discontented and ready to rebelagainst the king. Therefore, if we act prudently, we shall have muchassistance, and be able to cut off that tyrant. "

With this I entirely agreed, and we prepared for defence. As I hadexpected, the king, finding how he had been deceived, sent soldiers totake us; but, though they made many attempts, we drove them back dayafter day, with very small loss to ourselves. 

Meanwhile, fearing lest we should at last be overpowered, if somethingmore were not done, I determined, if possible, to seize the person ofthe king; and, as my father's house was not far from the palace, Ibegan to make an underground passage inside, in order to reach hissleeping-room, the exact position of which I had learnt from myfather. After digging for some distance, I came, to my greatastonishment, into a large, lofty, well-lighted room, occupied by anumber of women, among whom was a young lady of surpassing beauty, resembling the wife of Kāma, or the tutelary goddess of the city, whohad hidden herself here to avoid the sight of so much wickednessabove. 

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 wayhither. O tell us why thou art come. "

"Calm yourself, " I answered, "You have nothing to fear from me. I amArthapāla, the son of the minister Kāmapāla and the PrincessKantimati, and have come thus unexpectedly on you while making anunderground passage from my father's house to the palace; but tell mewho you all are, and how you come to be living here. "

"O prince, " she answered, "I had heard of your birth, but not of yourpreservation, and happy am I now to see you. Know that the young ladywhom you have just seen is the granddaughter of your maternalgrandfather, Chandasinha. The eldest son of that king died before hisfather, leaving his wife pregnant, and she lost her life in givingbirth to this daughter, who was committed to my care. One day the kingsent for me, and said: 'I intend this child when grown up to be givenin marriage to Darpasāra, son of the King of Mālwa; and, rememberingthe misconduct of her aunt, I am determined that nothing of the kindshall happen with her. I have therefore caused a spacious palace to bemade underground, and have furnished it with provisions and all othernecessaries for even a hundred years. I have great confidence in you;you will therefore go down into this subterranean dwelling, takingwith you the princess and such attendants as you may think desirable, and will remain there until she is grown up, when I shall fetch youfrom 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 ownapartment, and showed me the steps leading to this place. The next daywe all came down, and have remained here ever since. Twelve years havenow passed, and the king seems to have forgotten us. I must tell youalso that the princess, though destined by her grandfather forDarpasāra, was originally intended for you; for her mother, while thechild was as yet unborn, promised that her daughter should become thewife 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 nofear on the princess's account, but to trust entirely in me, and thatI 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 aserpent, past the astonished women and through the tunnel which I hadmade, I brought him, trembling with fear and bowed down by shame, tomy father's house, and showed him to my parents, telling them how Ihad captured him, and how I had discovered the princess in thesubterranean palace. 

When the seizure of the king was known, those who were previouslywell-disposed to my father immediately joined us, and all oppositionceased. 

Soon afterwards I married the princess, who looked on me as herdeliverer from the dungeon; Sinhaghosha was deposed; and I, havingdouble claim to the throne, was acknowledged king in his stead. 

Hearing that the King of Anga, a devoted friend of your father, was atwar, and attacked by a strong enemy, we have marched hither with anarmy to his assistance, and I have had the pleasure of helping todeliver him from his enemies, and the still greater happiness ofmeeting with you. I now beg of you to decide what shall be done withthe deposed king, our prisoner, whom we have brought with us. Mymother is very anxious to liberate him, but hitherto it has not beenthought safe to do so. 

The prince answered: "Let that unworthy young man be freed, oncondition of giving up all claim to the throne and leading a privatelife; and let him devote himself to pious meditation, which is thepurifier of evil deeds. " Then turning with a kind look to Pramati, hesaid: "Do you now relate your adventures, " with which request he atonce complied:--

 * * * * *

ADVENTURES OF PRAMATI. 

My lord, while wandering like the rest of your friends in search ofyou, I found myself one evening in a large forest, far from anyhabitation. Thinking it useless to attempt to go further in an unknowncountry and in darkness, I prepared to sleep there. Having bathed inthe water of a small lake, and made myself a bed of leaves, I lay downunder a large tree, commending myself to the deities presiding overthe place, and was very soon asleep. 

Presently a strange and delightful feeling came over me, gladdening myinmost soul; and I awoke, hardly knowing whether what I saw was areality or a dream, for on looking round me I saw that I was no longerin the forest, but in a very large and lofty room, lying on a softcouch with white muslin curtains; all around me were a number ofsleeping women. Among them my eyes were especially attracted towards ayoung lady of exceeding beauty, lying in a very graceful attitude, covered only by a silken petticoat, her bosom slowly rising andfalling, and her bud-like lower lip quivering with the soft movementof the breath in quiet sleep. 

Lost in astonishment, I said to myself; "What has become of that greatforest wrapt in darkness? How is my bed of leaves exchanged for thissoft couch? Whence is this dome above me, lofty as the great temple ofSiva? Who are all these lovely women, like a troop of Apsaras lyingdown wearied with play? And who can this beautiful lady be? Shecannot be a goddess, for the gods do not sleep thus, nor do theyperspire, and I see the drops breaking forth on her forehead. She mustthen be a mortal; but O how lovely! how peacefully she sleeps, as ifshe had never known the anxieties of love! My heart is drawn towardsher. "

With these thoughts I rose up and approached the bed where she lay, and stood looking at her as if entranced, becoming every moment moreenamoured, longing to touch her, but held back by the fear ofdisturbing her. 

While I was thus gazing, she gradually awoke, and raising herself intoa sitting posture, looked at me attentively with eyes more than halfclosed. At first her lips were opened, as if she were about to cryout; but, apparently restrained by some secret power, she remainedsilent, trembling all over, and showing in her countenance the signsof mingled doubt, fear, astonishment, bashfulness, and love; till atlast, overcome again by sleep, she slowly sank down again on the bed. 

Almost at the same time I felt myself irresistibly overcome bydrowsiness, and was very soon fast asleep. 

When I awoke, I found myself on the bed of leaves once more, alone inthe gloomy forest, and day was beginning to appear. 

When I was quite awake I had some difficulty in collecting mythoughts, and I said to myself: "Can all this of which I have such avivid impression be other than a reality, or was it only a dream, amagical delusion? Whatever it may be, I will not quit this place tillI find out the truth, and I will place myself under the protection ofthe deity who sent the vision. "

Having formed this resolution, I was waiting where I had slept, when Isaw approaching me a female form faded like a flower scorched by thesun, with eyes red from weeping, lips parched by the hot breath ofsighs, wearing a scanty black dress, without ornaments, and with herhair in a single braid, like an affectionate wife mourning for theabsence of her husband;[6] and with all this having an air of divinedignity, which made me regard her with reverence, and think that shemight be the tutelary goddess of the place, to whom I had commendedmyself; and I prostrated myself before her. But she raised me up withher arms, and after kissing me again and again, said, with a voicebroken by tears and sobs, "O, my darling, surely you have heard fromthe Queen Vasumati how one night a fairy appeared to her, and placingthe child Arthapāla[7] in her arms, told her husband's name and herown; and how the child was brought by order of Kuvera; and thendisappeared. I am that fairy--your mother. Bewildered by unreasonablejealousy and anger, I abandoned my husband, your father, Kāmapāla; andfor that sin I was cursed by Durgā, who condemned me to be possessedby an evil spirit for a year. That year, which seemed to me like athousand years, is ended; and I am now come from the great festivalof Siva, where I have met my relations, who had assembled there, andhave 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 notrecognise you as my son. Yet even as a stranger I felt an interest inyou, and could not bear the thought of leaving you exposed to dangerin such a wild place. I therefore waited till you were fast asleep;and having considered where I could deposit you while I was gone tomeet the goddess, since I could not take you with me, it occurred tome to carry you to the palace of the King of Sravasti, and leave youto sleep there till my return. I therefore carried you through theair, and placed you in the sleeping apartment of the PrincessNavamālika, feeling sure that no one would disturb you there. I thenwent to the temple; and after paying due worship to Siva, andreceiving the congratulations of my assembled friends, I was dismissedby the goddess, who said: 'You are forgiven; the curse is ended; goand be happy with your husband. ' After which I returned to the palace;and taking you up, brought you to this place, and laid you, stillsleeping, on your bed of leaves. Since then, I have been watching foryour awaking; for as soon as the curse was removed, I knew you to bemy son. 

"I must now leave you, and go to your father. I know what passed inthe palace; how you have fallen in love with the princess, and herfeelings towards you. Do not despond; before long you will see heragain. "

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 thelady whom I had seen was the Princess Navamālika, I was confirmed inmy love, and set out for Sravasti, determined, if possible, to see heragain. 

On the road, I came to a village where there was a large fair and agreat concourse of traders. Various amusements were going on; amongothers, a cock-fight, which I stopped to look at, and sat down near anold brahman, who was watching the fight with great interest. On seeingme smile, he asked the reason; and I answered: "What simpletons someof the breeders here must be to pit a Balāka cock against one of theNārikela breed, which is sure to win. "

With a knowing look, he whispered to me: "Hush! these blockheads knowno 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 intoconversation. 

Meanwhile, the birds fought furiously; and there was much vociferationon both sides; but, as I had predicted, the Balāka cock was beaten. The old man was delighted at the victory of the other, which was hisown. He seemed to have taken a great liking to me, though our ageswere so different, and invited me to his house, where I was veryhospitably treated, and passed the night. 

The next morning he accompanied me some distance on the way toSravasti; and said, at parting: "Remember, I am your friend; do nothesitate 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 andvery tired at Sravasti, I lay down to sleep in an arbour in one partof the park outside the city. There I slept soundly till awakened bythe 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 ayoung lady walking towards me, with a painted canvas in her hand. Whenshe came near, she looked first at me, and then at the painting. Thisshe did several times, and was evidently surprised and pleased at thecomparison On casting an eye on the picture, I also was muchsurprised, finding it to be a portrait of myself. 

Feeling sure that the likeness could not be accidental, and that theremust be some reason for her making the comparison and seeming sopleased 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 onceremony; pray sit down with me. " This she did; and we got intoconversation about the news of the town. 

At last she said to me: "You seem to be quite a stranger here, andlook as if you were travel-tired. Will you be offended if I ask you tocome and rest at my house?"

"Offended!" I answered. "You do me a very great favour; I shall bemost delighted to accept your invitation. " Upon this, she rose, and Ifollowed her to her house, where I was most kindly entertained. When Iwas refreshed with bathing and food, she said to me: "You have beentravelling about in various countries. Have you, in your travels, metwith 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 loftyceiling and white canopies--even the bed where the princess was lying. Instigated by love, she has doubtless painted my portrait fromrecollection; and, in the hope that I may be discovered through thelikeness, has entrusted it to this lady who has now invited me to herhouse. She evidently thinks that I am the person; but hesitates toput a direct question to me. If I am right, I will soon remove herdoubt. "

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 hadseen her; and giving it back, said: "One night, while sleeping in aforest, I had a very wonderful dream. I found myself lying in justsuch a room as that which is represented in this painting; and sawthere a very beautiful young lady, such as I have painted here; couldthat have been anything more than a dream?"

When she heard this, her face lighted up, and she answered: "That wasno dream, but a reality; and you are indeed the person I was lookingfor. " Then she told me the whole story; how the princess had seen andfallen in love with me; and how she had painted that picture andgiven 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 tosee 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 towait patiently a few days; I will arrange a plan which will enable usto be together in her apartments, without danger to either of us. " Tothis she agreed, and having taken leave of her, I went back to thevillage 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 andrefreshed, he asked me, "What has brought you back so soon? is thereanything in which you require my assistance?"

"There is, "' I answered, "a very important affair, in which you canmaterially assist me. The King of the Sravastans, Dharmavardhana, [8]whose character corresponds with his name, has a very beautifuldaughter. By an extraordinary chance, I have seen and fallen in lovewith 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 incarrying it out?"

"My plan is this, " I replied. "I will dress as a woman, and pass foryour daughter; and you are so clever and ready-witted, that I thinkyou will be able to get me into the palace as a companion to theprincess, and even to manage so that she shall become my wife. " Then Itold him how I thought this might be accomplished; and he quiteapproved of what I proposed, entered into it with great spirit, andpromised his ready co-operation. 

Accordingly, the first day that the king was sitting in public toadminister justice, the old man approached, followed by me dressed asa woman, walking modestly behind him, and bowing down to the king, hesaid: "My lord, I have heard of your great beneficence, and how youare the father of all your subjects, the protector and friend of thehelpless; I am therefore come to ask a great favour. This girl is myonly daughter. Her mother died soon after her birth. I have broughther up, and she has never left me; but I am desirous now to berelieved 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 studythere, and acquire the means of supporting a wife and family. I havebeen expecting his return for some time, but have heard nothing ofhim; I am, therefore, very uneasy on my daughter's account, andpurpose to go to Oujein, and find out whether he is alive or dead. Icannot leave my daughter alone, and have no friend or near relationwith whom I can place her. Will your majesty deign to allow her toremain under your protection until my return?"

To this the king graciously assented, and I was received into thepalace, where I soon found means of letting the princess know of mydisguise, and was taken into her apartments as one of her immediateattendants. 

Thus our wishes were gratified, and we enjoyed uninterruptedintercourse with each other. But more was yet to be done, and when thetime was nearly arrived at which it had been arranged between me andthe 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 holyplace near the river; you and your attendants will join in it and havean opportunity of bathing there. While we are in the water, I willscream out, as if drowning, and, diving underneath the surface, willcome up among the bushes a long way off, without being seen. Do youappear greatly distressed at my death; but fear nothing, I shall sooncome to you again. "

Accordingly, the next day, while bathing in the Ganges, I made itappear as if I were accidentally carried out of my depth and drawn inby one of the eddies of the river, and screamed out loudly for help. My cries and screams and subsequent disappearance caused a greatcommotion, and long search was made for my body; but of course invain, for I had dived under, and come to the surface unobserved amongthe thick bushes at the place which had been agreed upon. There, having gone on shore, I soon found the old brahman, who was waitingfor me with a suit of men's clothes, and, putting them on, I walkedquietly with him into the town. 

The next day, as if he had heard nothing of the loss of his pretendeddaughter, he went to the king, accompanied by me, and said "My lord, Ihave returned from Oujein, and have brought with me this young man, the intended husband of my daughter, with whom I am much pleased, andwhom I can confidently recommend to your favour, for I have heard anexceedingly good report of him there. He is not only very learned inthe vedas and commentaries, advanced in science and arts, wellinstructed in politics and history, clever in reciting stories andpoetry, but is a bold and skilful rider, a good archer and swordsman. There is scarcely anything that a young man should know, with which heis not familiar; and, with all this, he is free from conceit, good-tempered, gentle, and kind; in short, he seems to me almostperfect, and more fit to marry a princess than the daughter of such aman as I am. When I have seen my child happily married to him, I shallnot trouble them with my society, but withdraw from the world, andend my days in a hermitage. I have now come to take back my daughter, with the most humble and heartfelt gratitude for the graciousprotection which you have so kindly afforded her. " With these words hebowed himself to the ground in humble obeisance. 

On hearing this the king was greatly perplexed, and obliged to admitthat the girl had been drowned while bathing, and that her body hadnot been found. 

Then the old man began to tear his hair, beat his breast, and showsigns of the most extravagant grief, calling on the king to restorehis dear daughter, and reproaching him with having caused her death. In vain did the king make him large offers of compensation; he refusedthem all, declaring it to be his firm intention to put himself todeath at the gate of the palace, and so cause the sin to fall on theking's head. [9]

He, despairing of finding any other way of appeasing the old man, after some consideration and consultation with his ministers, said tohim: "You have told me that your intended son-in-law is a young man ofrare abilities, and more fit to be the husband of a princess than ofyour daughter, and his appearance is very prepossessing; I offer himthen my daughter in the place of yours. Will this satisfy you?" Thenat last the old man professed to be contented; I was treated with muchhonour, in due time became the husband of the princess, and reachedthe summit of my wishes. 

After a time, an army was sent by my father-in-law to the assistanceof the King of Anga, and, thinking of the possibility of meeting youhere, I solicited and obtained the command of it, and my hopes havebeen fulfilled, since I have now the great pleasure of seeing you. 

Having heard this story, the prince remarked: "You have done no deedsof blood, but have gained your ends by gentleness and ingenuity. Thisis the way approved of by the wise. " Then turning to Mitragupta, hesaid "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, andarriving one day at Damalipta, I saw a great crowd collected in alarge park outside the city. While looking about me to find some oneof 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 yousit here alone, away from the others?"

He answered: "A long time ago, the king of this country, having nochildren, made many prayers and offerings to the goddess Durgā, inthe hope of propitiating her. At last she appeared to him in a dream, and said: 'Your prayer is granted; your wife shall bear twins--adaughter who must be your successor, and a son who must be subject toher and to her husband when she marries. Further, it is my will andpleasure that, beginning from her seventh year, you shall make, everymonth when the moon is in the constellation Krittika (or thePleiades), a great festival, to be called the Festival of the BallDance, at which she shall publicly exhibit her skill before thepeople. I also will, that in reference to a husband, she shall havefree choice without any pressure on your part, and that he whom shemarries shall have equal power with her, and reign after your death. '

"The promise given in the dream was fulfilled. The queen boretwins--a son and a daughter. The king has duly obeyed the commands ofthe goddess, and to-day the princess, whose name is Kandukavati, willagain perform the ball dance for the propitiation of Durgā in thesight of the people here assembled. 

"You asked me also why I am sitting here alone. I will tell you. ThePrincess Kandukavati has a dear friend and foster-sister, who isengaged to me. 

"Of late, Bhimadhanwa, the brother of the princess, has cast his eyeson her, and persecuted her with his importunities. Knowing hischaracter, I have great fear lest some day he should use violencetowards her. This is why I am so anxious and uneasy, and have noinclination to join in the festivities. "

Just then I heard the tinkling of anklets, and a young lady came tothe place where we were sitting. 

On seeing her, my companion started up with great delight, and, takingher by the hand, introduced her to me, saying: "This is the lady whomI have told you of, dearer to me than life, the thought of separationfrom whom, through the wickedness of that wretch, burns me like fire, and causes me to suffer misery greater than death. I have no loyaltyor respect towards him, and will lose my life rather than suffer himto accomplish his wicked purpose. "

But she, with tears in her eyes, said: "O my beloved, do not on myaccount engage in any act of violence; whatever might be the result, your own life would, certainly be forfeited. You have continuallyprofessed your great love for me; be guided now by my advice. I amready to follow you wherever you go; let us then fly from thiscountry, and go where we shall be safe from my persecutor. "

My new acquaintance then turned to me, and said: "You seem to havebeen a great traveller; tell us in what country we may be most insafety and best able to live. "

I smiled at this, and answered: "The world is wide, and there areplenty of countries pleasant to live in; but, after all, one's owncountry is the best; why should you banish yourselves? I think I cancontrive some means by which you will be enabled to remain here insafety and comfort. Wait then a while, and if I cannot do this I willtell you where it will be best for you to go. "

Before we had time to say more, the young girl started up, saying: "Idare not stay a moment longer. I have stopped away from my mistressto see you, and now I hear her coming, and must join her directly. Anyone may see the princess at this festival; I hope you will have a goodview of her. " Saying this to me, she ran off, and we both followed herto the place where the princess was to perform--an open stage whichhad been erected in the park. 

Presently she made her appearance, followed by a train of femaleattendants, and the moment I saw her my heart was drawn towards her. Ialmost doubted whether she were a goddess or a mortal; but when shebegan to play, I was even more captivated by her graceful movementsthan I had been by her beauty. 

First she made a low obeisance in honour of the goddess; then takingup the bright red ball with her slender fingers, she let it drop asif accidentally, and striking it as it rebounded, caught it on theback of her hand and sent it high into the air; then she made it riseand fall, at first slowly, then faster, and then very rapidly, keepingtime to it by graceful movements of the feet. Sometimes it seemed tostand still, sometimes to fly up like a bird; at one time she wouldstrike it alternately with her right hand and left hand; at anothersend it high into the air, dancing meanwhile to her own singing; thenthe ball would go quite away, and come back as if of itself. Thus shewent on a long time amidst the applause of the surrounding spectators, performing various graceful movements, striking the ball with feet aswell as hands, and even making it whirl round and round her so rapidlythat she seemed to be enclosed in a fiery red cage; now with one handholding up her dress or replacing her hair which had fallen down, andkeeping the ball in motion with the other; now taking several ballsand keeping them all in the air at once. 

At last the performance was ended; and, after again making a lowobeisance in honour of the goddess, she walked slowly round the stage, leaning on the arm of her foster-sister Chandrasena, and followed byher maidens, casting several significant glances at me, and especiallygiving me one long lingering look as she withdrew. 

My new friend, Kosadāsa, who had stood near me all the time, invitedme 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 offreeing you from the importunities of the prince; this is what I havethought of. I have a magic ointment, a small quantity of which appliedto your face will make you look like a monkey in the eyes of all whosee you. Your persecutor will certainly then be disgusted, and giveyou no more annoyance. "

"Truly I am exceedingly obliged to you, " she answered, "for such acharming proposal. But whatever I may be in a future birth, I have noinclination to be turned into a monkey now. If you have nothing betterthan 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 Durgā, the princess is to be allowed freechoice of a husband. You are greatly in love with her, and she isfavourably disposed towards you, from your appearance. My mother, ofwhom she is very fond, will do everything in her power to promote yourinterests; and no doubt she will choose you. The king and queen willof course give their consent; and the marriage once completed, therewill be no further danger, since Bhimadhanwa will be subject to you, and you will be able easily to protect me. Wait, therefore, a fewdays, and I and my mother will do our best on your behalf. But I mustnot stay longer; my mistress will be waiting for me. "

After she was gone, Kosadāsa and I got into conversation about thatwhich so greatly concerned us both; and so much interested were we, that we never thought of going to bed, but sat up talking all thenight. In the morning, I went to the park, and stood for some timenear the stage on which I had seen the princess; and in imaginationsaw her there again, in some of those graceful attitudes which she haddisplayed. While I was thus deep in thought, I was accosted byBhimadhanwa, who introduced himself to me, appeared very friendly, satdown 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 havingslept the night before, I lay down, and was soon fast asleep, anddreaming of my beloved princess. Presently, I was suddenly awakened, and found my arms bound with an iron chain, and Bhimadhanwa, withangry countenance, standing near me. "Vile wretch!" he said. "Youfancied you could plot in safety; and little thought that all whichthat 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 inlove with you! You are to marry her, and make me your subject; and youwill 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 shallsoon see how all your fine projects will end. " Then calling two strongmen, his servants, at his command they lifted me up, carried me downto the sea, and threw me in as I was. 

Notwithstanding the chain which confined my arms, I managed to keepafloat, till by a lucky chance I fell in with a piece of wood, and bythrowing myself across it, managed to hold on, and was carried out tosea. After floating all night, in the morning I was seen from a shipsailing that way, and taken on board. 

The captain, however, who was a foreigner, had not much compassion onme; and only thought, as I was young and strong, how much he could getby selling me as a slave; and did not even release my hands. I had notbeen long on board, however, when the ship was attacked by pirates, who surrounded it with their boats, and poured in a shower of arrowsand other missiles. 

Seeing that the crew of the merchant-ship were being defeated, Icalled out to the captain: "Take off my chain; set me free; and I willsoon drive away the enemy. "

He did as I asked; and furnished me with a good bow and arrows, whichI used so effectually, that a large number of the enemy were killedor wounded; and the boats began to draw off. 

Meanwhile, our ship had drifted close to the pirates' galley. I leapton board, and most of the crew being disabled, took prisoner thecaptain, who turned out to be Bhimadhanwa, the very man who had sotreacherously ill-used me. He was utterly astonished at seeing, me;and hung down his head ashamed, unable to answer a word, when I saidto him: "Where are all your threats and boastings? You are now ascompletely in my power as I was in yours. "

Then the sailors, shouting for joy at the victory, bound him with thechain with which I had been confined; and after taking possession ofthe pirate ship, we continued the voyage; but being driven out of ourcourse by a contrary wind, landed on an uninhabited island, to getwater and wild fruits, and attend to the wounded. 

The merchant-captain and crew, delighted at my bravery, and the timelyassistance I had rendered them, treated me with the greatest respect. While they were engaged, I walked about to explore the island; andcame 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 agentle slope, covered with trees and flowers. Walking slowly amongthem, admiring the beautiful scenery and enjoying the cool shade, Iarrived, almost imperceptibly and without fatigue, at the summit, where I found a small lake, surrounded with ruby-coloured, variegatedrocks, and partly covered with bright lotuses. In this I bathed, andpulled up some of the lotus-plants, the young shoots of which wereunusually sweet and good. 

As I came out of the water, carrying a large root on my shoulder, Isaw standing on the bank a terrible Rakshas in human form, who calledout, in an angry tone "Who are you? Where do you come from? What areyou 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 wastreacherously thrown into the sea, rescued by a merchant-ship, thenattacked by pirates; and now, after conquering them, we have put intothis island for water. I have much enjoyed my bathe, and wish you goodmorning. "

"Stop!" said he. "You will not get off so easily. You seem a boldfellow, however, and I will give you a chance for life. I shall askyou four questions. If you can answer them, you are free; if not, Ishall 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, "areexamples of what I have said. "

"Tell me, " said he, "who they were, and how they prove the truth ofyour answers?"

"Certainly, " I replied; "you shall judge for yourself. 

"There were formerly in the country of Trigarta three brothers, allwealthy, having several wives, many servants and slaves, and numerousflocks and herds. In their time it happened that there was a greatdrought; no rain fell for several years; the streams and fountainsceased to flow; the pools and lakes were turned to mud, the beds ofrivers almost dry, plants burned up, trees withered; all mirth andfestivity were at an end; bands of thieves roamed about; the dead layunburied 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 along time; but when their stores of corn and rice were all consumed, and their cattle all slaughtered, they, like the rest, were driven tocannibalism. First they killed and ate their slaves; then, even theirwives and children, till all were gone but themselves and their threefavourite wives. The famine still continuing, they were driven to eatthem also, and drew lots which should be killed first. The lot fell onDhumini, the wife of the youngest brother, who, unable to bear thethought of devouring her, escaped with her in the night. After walkinga long way, till they were quite exhausted, they came to a largeforest, where they found a well of water, and many fruits and roots, besides deer and other animals, on which they were able to livewithout difficulty; and they built a hut there. 

"One day when the husband of Dhumini was going about in search ofgame, he found a man who had been cruelly treated by robbers; they hadcut off his hands, feet, and nose, and left him to perish. Havingcompassion on the poor wretch, he bound up his wounds as well as hewas able, and carried him with much difficulty to his hut. There heand his wife nursed him till his wounds were healed, and took care ofhim afterwards. 

"Now such is the depravity of women, that Dhumini fell in love withthis poor mutilated wretch, and determined to have him whether hewould or no. 

"One day her husband came home from hunting, tired and thirsty, andasked her for water. She answered: 'I have a very bad headache, youmust go and draw for yourself. ' Then walking softly behind him as hewent, she waited till he stooped down over the well, and pushed himin. 

"Having thus, as she thought, got rid of her husband, she took themaimed man on her back and carried him till she reached an inhabitedcountry, where there was no famine, telling those who asked her, thatthis man was her husband, and had been mutilated in that manner by aspiteful enemy. 

"She thus became the object of much compassion, and praise, fordevotion to her husband, and the king of the country bestowed on her asmall pension on which she lived in the city of Avanti. Meanwhile herreal husband had managed to climb up from the well, and wandered abouta long time, not knowing where his wife was gone. At last he came toAvanti in great distress, and was begging for food when she chanced tosee him. Going at once to the king, she said, 'That wicked wretch whomutilated my husband is now here; I have seen him going about as abeggar. '

"Upon this he was immediately seized, and, notwithstanding hisprotestations of innocence, condemned to death, and led away toexecution. 

"On the way, with but faint hopes of saving his life, he said to theexecutioner, 'I have been condemned on the evidence of one witnessonly; let that man whom I am accused of injuring be questioned; if hesays 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, andthere the poor mutilated wretch, with many tears, declared thekindness with which he had been treated by the supposed criminal, andthe wickedness of the woman who had forced him to live with her as herhusband. 

"Thereupon the execution was stayed, and the king, having been madeacquainted with the whole affair, ordered her to be cut in pieces andgiven 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 wickedwoman. "

The Rakshas appeared to be satisfied with this story, and said: "Goon, tell me about Gomini. " I continued therefore:

"There was formerly in the country of the Dravidas a young brahman ofgreat wealth. Somehow he was not married when a mere boy, as is oftenthe case, and when he grew up he thought to himself: 'Those who haveno wives and those who have bad wives are equally unfortunate, I willnot let my friends choose for me, but travel about and look out formyself 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 threepounds 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 sayto 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 beenwilling to give him their daughters, he was always laughed at, andoften treated with contempt. One day, while sitting in a publicplace in a town which he had lately entered, he observed a young girlwhose parents had fallen into poverty, which was shown by her scantydress and slender ornaments. She passed by him accompanied by an oldwoman, and stood for a time very near him. 

"The more he looked at her the more he was pleased, and thought tohimself: 'This is just the wife to suit me; she is neither too tallnor too short, too stout or too thin; her limbs are rounded and wellknit; her back is straight, with a slight hollow; her shoulders arelow; her arms plump and soft; the lines of her hands indicate goodfortune; her fingers are long and slender; her nails are like polishedgems; her neck is smooth and rounded as a slender shell; her bosomfull and well shaped; her face has a sweet expression; her lips arefull and red; her chin small and compact; her cheeks plump; hereyebrows glossy black, gracefully curved, meeting in the middle; hereyes are long and languishing, very black and very white; herforehead, adorned by beautiful curls, resembles a piece of the moon;her ears are delicately formed, and well set off by the ear-rings; herhair is glossy black, brown at the ends--long, thick, and not too muchcurled. My heart seems to be drawn towards her; if she is what sheseems to be, I will certainly marry her; but I must not act rashly; Iwill first try her with my test. Then approaching her with a politesalutation, he said: 'My dear, are you clever enough to make a gooddinner out of this bag of rice;' Without answering a word, she lookedsignificantly at her old nurse, and taking the rice from his hand, signed him to sit down on a terrace close by; and sat down herselfnear him. Then, first spreading out the rice in the, sun that it mightbe quite dry, she rubbed it gently between her hands, so as to get offthe husk unbroken, and giving it to the nurse, she said: 'Take this tosome goldsmith; they use it when prepared in this way for polishingtheir gold, and you will get a few pence for it--with them buy alittle firewood, a few cheap dishes, and an earthen pipkin, and bringalso a wooden mortar with a long pestle. ' On this errand the old womandeparted, and soon returned, bringing the things required. 

"Then the girl put the rice into the mortar, and very gracefullymoving the pestle up and down, separated the rice thoroughly from theremaining particles of husk and awns; which she carefully winnowedaway. 

"After this she washed the rice thoroughly, and the old woman havingmeanwhile 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 amanner that the grains lay loose and separate. When they began toswell and burst, she took the pot from the fire, which she rakedtogether, and set it with the lid downwards near the embers, firstcarefully draining off the rice liquor, and stirring the grainsseveral times with a spoon to prevent their sticking together. 

"After this she put out the fire by throwing water on it, and takingthe charcoal, sent the old woman to sell it, and with the money toprocure some herbs, ghee, curds, tamarind fruit, spices, salt, myrobalan, and sesamum oil. When these things were brought, she mixedthe myrobalan, finely pounded, with salt, and desired the nurse togive it with the sesamum oil to the young brahman, and tell him to goand bathe and anoint himself; and he having received these things, went to bathe. 

"When he was returned and comfortably seated, she gave him to drinkrice liquor, mixed with spices and cooled by fanning, and he was muchrefreshed by it; afterwards, soup made with some of the liquor, a fewspoonfuls of rice, butter, and spices; and, lastly, the rest of therice mixed with curds, buttermilk, and several condiments, and he hadplenty, though some was left. 

"When he had finished, he asked for drink. She gave him water in a newcooler, sweetened and perfumed with lotus and other flowers; and itlooked and felt so cool, gurgled so pleasantly, and tasted so sweet, that all his senses were gratified, and he drank eagerly again andagain. 

"After waiting on him in this manner, as soon as the dishes and theremains of the meal had been removed by the old nurse, she sat downbeside him, arranging her scanty patched dress as well as she wasable. 

"The young brahman having thus satisfied himself of the capabilitiesof 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, hetook to himself another wife, a woman of bad character; yet such wasthe sweetness of temper of the first, that she showed no anger atthis, but continued to treat her husband with all due honour andrespect, and so gained over her fellow-wife that she became herdearest friend. At the same time she managed the household admirably, keeping everything in order, yet making all the servants attached toher. In short, she acted in such a manner that she entirely gained therespect 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 agood wife. "

Then, in illustration of the third answer, I related the story ofRatnavati. "There was, in a town in the country of Surat, a richship-captain who had a daughter named Ratnavati. She was married toBalabhadra, the son of a merchant living in another town. For somereason he took a sudden dislike to his bride on the very day of thewedding, and though she continued to live in his house, avoided heras much as possible, and would never speak to her, notwithstanding theremonstrances of his friends. The rest of the family and the servants, seeing this, treated her with neglect and contempt, so that she led amost wretched life. 

"One day, wandering about disconsolate, she met with an old woman, abuddhist mendicant, who, seeing her weeping and looking miserable, asked her the reason. She, thinking that this woman might possibly bepossessed of some charm capable of bringing back her husband'saffections, half unwillingly told her the cause of her grief. 

"'On the very day of our marriage my husband, from some cause orother, took a sudden dislike to me, and since then he has treated mewith neglect and contempt, so that I hardly ever see his face, andthen only by chance for a moment, for he avoids me as much aspossible; his family also, following his example, behave to me withgreat unkindness. I have no comfort or happiness, and only wish fordeath. But you must not tell this to any one; I would not on anyaccount have my misfortune talked about. '

"The old woman answered: 'Surely this must be a punishment for somegreat sin committed in a former existence, or such a charming personas 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 inwhich 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 soneglects me, I know that he is very fond of women in general, andready to be captivated by any one, especially respectable woman whowill give him a little encouragement. Acting on this propensity, Ithink, with your help, that something may be done. There is a younglady, a neighbour, the daughter of a very rich man, in great favourwith the Rajah; she is a friend of mine, and is very like me. As myhusband hardly knows her by sight, and scarcely ever sees me, it mightbe possible to pass myself off for her. Do you, therefore, go to himand say that that young lady is in love with him, and that you willintroduce him to her, only he must not give a hint that you have toldhim anything. Meanwhile I will arrange with my friend, and will bewalking in her father's garden some evening, when you can bring himin. ' The old woman was delighted with this contrivance, and promisedto perform her part. She went, therefore, soon afterwards with apretended message of love from the merchant's daughter to Balabhadra, who was delighted at having attracted the attention of such a charmingyoung 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 aninvitation; 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 inthe least suspecting the deception. At last she gave him a hint thatshe was ready to run away with him. Madly in love, he eagerly caughtat the proposal, and one night, having collected what money he couldcarry, he eloped with her, saying nothing to any of his friends. Theywere much astonished by his sudden disappearance; but when they foundthat Ratnavati was gone also, they readily believed the story told bythe old woman, that he had fallen in love with his own wife; but wasashamed to acknowledge this after having so long neglected her, andwas therefore gone to live in another place, where he was not known. Believing this story, her relations and his thought it best to take nosteps in the matter, and abstained from making inquiry after him. 

"Meanwhile Balabhadra went to a town at some distance, and there byhis skill and energy, though beginning with a small capital, amassedin a few years a considerable fortune, and was much respected in theplace. 

"When Ratnavati eloped under another name, she engaged a woman toaccompany her as a servant; and this woman one day having committedsome fault, was beaten by her master, who scolded her and told her shewas lazy, thievish, and impudent. Smarting under the punishment, shedetermined to be revenged, and going to the magistrate told him: 'Thisman, who seems to you so respectable, is a wicked wretch who hasabandoned his own wife, and run away in the night with the daughter ofone 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 Ishall get a share of it. ' He therefore began to take proceedingsagainst Balabhadra, who was greatly alarmed. But his wife said to him, 'Do not be frightened; put a good face on the matter, and say: "Thisis not Kanakavati, the daughter of Niddhipatidatta; this is my ownlawful wife, the daughter of Grihagupta, who lives at Valabhi. She wasmarried to me with the proper ceremony and with the full consent ofher parents. This woman's accusation is altogether false; but if youwill 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 tothe father of Ratnavati, who answered it in person, and declared thatthe lady in question was really his daughter. Thus the matter wassettled; but the husband, thinking that the old man was deceived bythe likeness, held to his former belief, and continued to live happilywith his wife, without ever discovering the delusion. Therefore I saythat 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, ofgreat strength and vigour, ready at any time to take up the quarrel ofa friend, famed for deeds of violence, and devoted to pleasures andamusements. 

"One day he saw a picture exhibited by a painter, a new-comer, andstopped to look at it. It was the portrait of a lady so beautifulthat he fell in love with her at once. Desirous of finding out whom itrepresented, he praised the picture exceedingly, and having put theartist 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 atAvanti or Oujein, and I was so struck by her beauty that I sought andobtained 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 tothe merchant's house, saw the lady, whose beauty exceeded even hisexpectation, and was confirmed in his wicked purpose. 

"At this time a guardian or watchman was wanted for the publiccemetery, and he applied for and obtained the office. 

"With the clothes which he took from the bodies brought to be burntthere, he bribed an old woman to take a message from him. She went toNitambavati, and said: 'A very handsome young man is much in love withyou--pray let him see you if only for once. ' On receiving thismessage, the merchant's wife was very indignant, and sent the oldwoman away with angry words. Kalahakantaka, however, was notdiscouraged, and said to his messenger: 'Go again, and say to thelady: "Do you imagine that a person like me devoted to religiousmeditation, who have passed so many years in pilgrimages to holyplaces, would wish to lead you into sin? Far from it. I had heard thatyou were childless, and wishing for children, and I know of meansthrough which your wish may be accomplished; but I thought it right tofind out first whether you were worthy of such a service, and nowthat I have ascertained you to be virtuous and true to your husband, Iwill gladly assist you. "'

"With this story the old cheat went again to the lady, who, believingher 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 uponyour husband, which can only be removed by the means which I willindicate 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 inincantations. You have only to stand for a moment, putting your footinto his hand while he utters certain charms, then go home, and, as ifin play, strike your husband on the breast. This will dissolve thespell, and by-and-by you will have children. ' Anxious to have thespell removed from her husband, Nitambavati consented to this, andwent at night to the appointed place. There she found Kalahakantakawaiting, and as the old woman had directed, put her foot into his handwhile he knelt before her. 

"No sooner had he got hold of it than he took off her anklet, andslipping his hand up her leg, inflicted a slight wound above the knee, and ran away. 

"The poor lady, dreadfully frightened, blaming herself, and enragedwith the old woman, who had so cruelly deceived her, got home as wellas she could, washed and bound up the cut, and kept her bed forseveral days, having taken off the other anklet, that the loss mightnot 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: 'Wheredid you get this?'

"The man answered: 'I will not tell you now, but if you are notsatisfied 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 youranklets. '

"With some confusion and alarm, she answered: 'I have only one ofthem, the other being, as I suppose, loosely fastened, dropped off afew days ago when I was walking in the evening in the garden, and Ihave not been able to find it. '

"Dissatisfied with this answer, the husband went before themagistrates with the man who had offered the anklet for sale, and hebeing there questioned, said: 'You know I was appointed not long agoto the care of the public cemetery, and as people come sometimes afterdark to steal the clothes, or to lay a dead body on a pile preparedfor another, and so cheat me of my fees, I have lately kept watchthere at night. '

"'A short time ago I saw a woman in a dark dress dragging away part ofa half-burnt body, and ran to seize her. In the struggle her ankletcame 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 mypossession. I leave it to you to say whether I have done wrong or no. '

"Then the magistrates and citizens who were assembled wereunanimously of opinion that the woman was a Sākini. [10]

"She was therefore divorced from her husband, and condemned to be tiedto a stake in the cemetery, and left there. 

"In this state she was found by Kalahakantaka, who cut the cords whichfastened her, and, falling at her feet, confessed all that he haddone, alleging his great love for her as an excuse for his cruelconduct: 'And now, ' said he, 'consent to be my wife, and I will carryyou away to my own home in a distant country, where you will not beknown. I will do everything in my power to make your life happy, andatone for the suffering which I have caused you. '

"For a long time the unhappy lady refused; but at last, overcome byhis earnest entreaties, and feeling how unjustly she had beendisgraced and ill-treated, she consented to accompany him. Thus, bycunning, he gained his end, which he could not have accomplished byany other means. Therefore I say cunning best accomplishes difficultthings. "

Having heard these stories, the Rakshas was much pleased, and offeredme his assistance if I should require it. At that moment severalpearls fell close beside us. Looking up to see whence they came, Iperceived a Rakshas flying through the air, carrying a woman who wasstruggling with him. 

"Shall that monster carry off the lady before our eyes? O that I couldfly 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 Icaught her with outstretched arms in such a manner that, though muchshaken and alarmed, she was not seriously injured. I held her for amoment insensible in my arms, while I gazed at the combatants. Theirflight was of short duration, for they attacked each other sofuriously that both were killed. 

Then laying my burden on the soft grass in a shady place, andsprinkling her with water, I soon had the happiness of seeing her openher eyes, and of recognising the beloved of my heart, the PrincessKandukavati, who was equally delighted on finding who was herdeliverer. 

When sufficiently recovered, she said to me: "On returning home afterthe ball dance, longing to see you, and sad with the thought that wemight never meet again, I was filled with great happiness by thereport which Chandrasena brought me of your love; but when I heardthat you had been bound and thrown into the sea by my wicked brother, I fell into the deepest despair, and wished for death. Wandering inthis state of mind about the gardens, I was espied by that vileRakshas, who, having assumed a human form, first made love to me, andthen, when rejected, forcibly carried me off. He is, happily, nowdead, and all that I have suffered is as nothing now that I am withyou; let us return as soon as possible to my parents, who will havebeen greatly distressed at my disappearance. "

Without delay I carried her down to the shore, embarked, set sail atonce, and the wind being favourable, we soon reached Damalipta. Herewe found great confusion and grief among the people, and were told oninquiring: "The king and queen, utterly broken down by the loss oftheir son and daughter, have determined to abandon life, and have justset out for a holy place on the bank of the Ganges, with the intentionof fasting to death there; and several of the old citizens haveaccompanied them with the same purpose. "

On hearing this I immediately went after them, and having soonovertaken them, was able to give them great happiness, by telling themof all that had occurred, and how both their son and daughter weresafely returned; and they went back with me to the city, to the greatjoy of the people. The king treated me with great honour, and not longafterwards the princess became my wife. Her brother was reconciled tome, and at my request, though very reluctantly, gave up all furtherattention to Chandrasena, who was happily united with her lover. 

When King Sinhavarma was attacked as you know, I marched with an armyto his assistance; and have thus the great pleasure of meeting withyou. 

The prince having heard this story said "Your adventures have indeedbeen strange, and your escape from death wonderful. Great is the powerof fate, but excellent also is courage and presence of mind such asyou have shown. " Then turning to Mantragupta, he desired him to relatehis adventures, which he immediately began to do:--

 * * * * *

ADVENTURES OF MANTRAGUPTA. 

My Lord, I also, in my anxiety to find you, wandered about like theothers. 

Late one evening I came to a wood, a few miles from the city ofKalinga, and very near a public cemetery. Seeing no dwelling near, Imade myself a bed of leaves, and lay down under a large tree, where Iwas soon asleep. About midnight, when evil spirits are wont to roam, and everything was quiet around me, I awoke, and fancied I heard awhispering conversation going on among the branches of the treeimmediately above me. Listening very attentively, I was able todistinguish these words: "We are powerless to resist that vile Siddhawhenever he chooses to command us; could not some person be foundpowerful enough to counteract the designs of that vile magician?"

After this the voices ceased, and I thought I could hear a rustlingamong the branches as if the speakers were moving from tree to tree. This strange occurrence greatly excited my curiosity. I said tomyself: "Who are these creatures whose voices I have heard? who canthat magician be, and what dreadful thing is it which he is about todo?" With these thoughts, I determined if possible to discover themystery, and followed, as well as I was able, the direction which thedemons, or whatever they were whom I had heard conversing, had taken. Guided by the rustling sound which I still heard above me, I made myway through the darkness, till at last I thought I saw a light in thedistance, and going a little further, I perceived a fire shiningthrough the thick foliage. Approaching very cautiously, I saw a Siddhastanding near it, his head covered with a large mass of tangled hair, his body begrimed with the dust of charcoal, and a girdle of humanbones round his waist. He was throwing at intervals handfuls ofsesamum and mustard-seed into the fire, causing flickering flames torise up and dispel the surrounding darkness. Before him, in humbleattitude, stood two Rakshas, male and female, whom I supposed to bethose whose voices I had heard in the tree. They said to him, "Weawait your commands. What are we now to do?"

"Go, " he answered in a stern voice, "immediately to the palace of theKing of Kalinga, and bring here his daughter Kanakalekha. " This theydid in an incredibly short time. As soon as she was brought he seizedher by the hair, and disregarding her tears and entreaties and screamsfor help, was about to cut off her head with a sword. 

Meanwhile I had cautiously crept nearer, and perceiving the danger ofthe princess, I made a sudden rush at him, snatched the sword from hishand and cut off his head. 

Seeing this, the two Rakshas approached me, and showing great delightat the death of their cruel master, said to me: "That wicked man hasfor a long time had power over us; we have continually been compelledto go on his vile errands, and have had no rest night or day. You havedone a truly good deed in killing him; your valour has freed us fromthis slavery; he is gone to the kingdom of Yama, where he will receivethe reward of his evil deeds, and we are ready to serve you; say onlywhat is to be done. "

I thanked them for their grateful offer, and said: "I have only donewhat every good man would have done under the circumstances; but ifyou are willing to serve me, all that I require of you is to carrythis lady again to her father's house, from which she was so cruellytaken. "

The princess hearing this, stood for a moment irresolute, with herhead bent down, her eyes half closed, her eyebrows quivering, herbosom agitated by hurried breathing and wetted by tears of joy, restlessly moving one foot, as if scratching the ground, and betrayingthe struggle between bashfulness and love by alternate blushes andpaleness. Then, in a low sweet gentle voice, she uttered these words:"O gracious sir, why do you, having just delivered me from a terribledeath, now overwhelm me in a sea of love whose waves are theagitations of anxiety driven by the wind of passion? My life, saved byyou, is entirely at your disposal. Take pity on me; regard me as yourown. Let me be your servant, your slave; I would endure anythingrather than separation from you. Come with me to my father's palace;you need not fear discovery; all my friends and attendants arefaithful and devoted to me; they will carefully keep the secret. "

Pierced to the heart by the arrows of Kāma, tied and bound by herlooks 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 usthrough the air, and placed us while it was yet night in theapartments of the princess. There she introduced me to her attendants, assigned me a room in the upper story where I might most easily escapedetection, and appointed them to keep watch so that no one might enterher apartments without notice. I had thus abundant opportunities ofbeing with the princess; but though my love daily increased, I made nofurther advances to her. 

One day some of her women came with tears in their eyes, and bowingdown to my feet, said, with whispering timid voice, "O gracious sir, our lady is doubly yours, since she was gained by your own valourwhen you rescued her from death, and is assigned to you by theall-powerful God of Love. Do not let her languish in vain. Make heryour wife without delay. " With this request I could not refuse tocomply, and taking the hand of the princess, I declared our solemnunion. 

For a time we enjoyed the greatest happiness. It was destined, however, to be of no long duration; our separation was at hand, fornow was the time of spring, when the trees were covered with blossomsbent down by the eager bees, and the song of birds was resoundingamong their branches waved by the soft south wind, bearing perfumefrom the sandal groves of Malaya; at which season the king wasaccustomed to go with all his court to the sea-shore, and there, intents 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 possibilityof concealing me in such a place, I was obliged, though reluctantly, to let her depart alone, consoling myself by looking forward to herreturn. 

The royal party had not long been gone, when news was brought to thecity that the king and all his court, thinking only of enjoyment, andunsuspicious of danger, had been captured by Jayasinha, King ofAndhra, who, sailing with a large fleet, had suddenly landed and takenthem by surprise. 

This news caused me the greatest consternation. "Jayasinha, " Ithought, "will certainly be captivated by the beauty of the princess;she will take poison rather than submit to his embraces; and I couldnot long survive her, for how could I live without her?"

While perplexed with this thought, and not knowing what to do, I heardof a brahman just arrived from Andhra, who was full of a strange eventwhich had lately happened there. 

"The King of Andhra, " he said, "has long been a bitter enemy of theKing of Kalinga, and having taken him prisoner, was about to kill him, but he has fallen in love with the princess Kanakalekha, and wishingto marry her, not only spares her father's life, but treats him withkindness for her sake. 

"An unexpected obstacle to the accomplishment of his wishes has, however, arisen; the lady has suddenly become possessed by an evilspirit, whose rage is greatest whenever the king visits her. 

"Anxious for her recovery, he has offered a large reward to any onewho shall succeed in driving out the demon, but as yet no one has beenable to effect her cure. "

This information filled me with hope, for I was well aware of thenature of the princess's disease, and knew that no one but myselfcould cure it. I was able, therefore, to form a plan for herdeliverance, and quickly decided on the disguise to be adopted. At thetime when I killed the magician, I had taken off his scalp, with allthe mass of tangled hair, and had hid it in a hollow tree. I now wentto the place, and taking out this scalp, fitted it on my own head;then rubbing over my whole body with dirt and charcoal dust, anddressing myself in old rags, I was completely disguised as anascetic--and when I went into the neighbouring villages I was regardedas a very holy devotee, and had many applications from personswishing for advice or seeking to be cured of diseases. This belief Iencouraged to the utmost, and took care to keep up my credit by meansof various tricks and contrivances. 

In this manner I was soon able to collect a number of disciples, gladto live in idleness on the offerings continually brought to me, fullybelieving in my sanctity, entirely devoted to me, and ready to obeyall my commands. 

Having got together this troop of followers, I went to the side of atank or small lake not far from the city of Andhra, built myself ahut, and made known that I intended to stay there for a time. 

The news of my arrival was soon spread abroad by my disciples, whowere loud in their praises of my miraculous powers, and the wonderfulcures which I had effected; and great numbers of people came from thecity to see me, either from curiosity or from the hope of receivingsome benefit. 

In a very short time wonderful stories about me were brought to theRāja. "There is now a very holy devotee sleeping on the ground nearthe lake; he is possessed of the most marvellous knowledge. There isno question which he cannot answer, no difficulty which he cannotsolve. His power of healing is beyond belief; a few grains of dustfallen from his feet, when sprinkled on the head of the sick, are moreefficacious than any medicine; and water in which his feet have beenwashed has cured in a moment diseases, and driven out evil spiritswhich have resisted for a long time all the efforts of physicians andexorcists. Yet with all this he is exceedingly kind andcondescending, and free from pride. "

The king, hearing all this, thought: "This is just the person I am inneed of; no doubt he will be able to cure the princess. " He thereforedetermined to apply to me; but so great was his respect for my dignityand supernatural powers, that he did not venture to send for me, butcame several times to see me, distributing each time money among myfollowers, before mentioning his request that I would drive out theevil spirit from the princess. 

After hearing his statement, I looked very grave, and appeared forsome 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 thelady shall be cured, but it would be useless for me to see her atpresent. The case is a very peculiar one, and the cure requires muchthought and consideration; wait therefore for three days, then comeagain, and I will tell you what is to be done. " On receiving thisanswer, the king went away very well satisfied. 

That night, as soon as it was dark, telling my followers on no accountto disturb me, I went, as if for private meditation, to one side ofthe tank, at some distance from the steps, and there dug a large holein the bank sloping upwards, with the opening partly under water andconcealed by loose stones above; taking care to throw the excavatedearth into the tank. 

On the third day, at dawn, I rearranged my dress as before, and havingworshipped 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 hisappearance, 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 areattainable by the energetic; being devoted to your service, I havegiven my whole mind to the consideration of this difficult affair, andcan now point out a certain way to success. 

"The evil spirit by whom the princess is possessed cannot bear thesight of you in your present form, and therefore breaks out into furywhen you appear. If your body can be changed, he will no longer beoffended, and will immediately depart; there is no other way by whichhe can be driven out. I have therefore so prepared this lake that ifyou bathe in it in accordance with my directions, you will acquire anew and beautiful body acceptable to the lady, and she will no more betroubled with the evil spirit. 

"You must therefore come here at midnight, and having strippedentirely, swim out into the middle of the tank, and there float onyour back as long as possible. Presently a rushing noise will beheard, and the water will be troubled, and dash against the bank. Assoon as the commotion has subsided, come forth; you will find thatyour body has become younger, stronger, and improved in every respect;and when you return to the palace there will be no further difficultyor obstacle on the part of the princess, who will immediately undergoa change in her feelings, and will long for your society as much asshe now abhors it. All this is quite certain; you need not have thesmallest doubt; but if you think proper, before deciding, consult yourministers, and be guided by their advice. If they consent, firstworship the gods and propitiate them with offerings, make largedonations to the brahmans and the poor, and come here to-night at theappointed time. That there may be no danger from alligators orconcealed enemies, let the tank be thoroughly dragged with nets by ahundred fishermen, and place a line of soldiers all round it withtorches in their hands a few steps from the water; with theseprecautions no possible harm can happen to you. "

The enamoured king, very anxious for the expulsion of the supposeddemon, and fully believing that I had the power to perform what I hadpromised, went away well pleased, and immediately consulted hisministers. They seeing how eager he was, and not anticipating anypossibility of danger, readily approved of the proceeding. 

Having obtained their consent the king returned to me, and findingthat I was about to depart, earnestly entreated me to stay, sayingthat half the pleasure of success would be taken away if I were notthere to witness it; but I answered that there were urgent reasons formy immediate departure, and that I had already remained longer than Ihad intended to do, solely on his account. I assured him that I had soprepared everything that my presence was now quite unnecessary, that Iwas about to disappear from the world, and that he would see me nomore. Finding me quite determined, he took leave of me with manyexpressions of respect, and went back to his palace to give orders forthe performance of all that I had directed. 

Accordingly, a large number of fishermen with nets were engaged, bywhom the lake was thoroughly dragged, and large donations were made tothe brahmans and the poor. Towards evening, soldiers with torches wereplaced, all round the tank, and at midnight the king, attended by anumerous retinue, and followed by a great crowd anxious to witness theexpected miracle, came to the steps leading down to the water, andhaving undressed there in a tent which had been pitched for thatpurpose, 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 maynow leave me; go, and my blessing be upon you. " Well satisfied withthe gifts they had received, they departed; and when they were gone Islipped unobserved into the lake, and entered the hole which I hadprepared. There I remained till I heard the noise of the crowd whocame with the king, and perceived him floating on the surface. Divingcautiously under him, I pulled him down, strangled him, and draggedthe body into the hole; then swimming to the steps, I boldly cameforth, to the astonishment of the attendants, who, though they hadexpected a miracle, were scarcely prepared for such a great change. Noone, however, doubted that I was really their sovereign, and havingdressed and mounted an elephant, I entered the city, escorted by thesoldiers and followed by a great crowd of people, who had come forthfrom curiosity, and were loud in their praises of the pious man whohad wrought such a miracle. 

That night I was unable to sleep. In the morning I summoned all theministers and counsellors, and said: "Behold the power of piety andpenance. That holy man has performed a great miracle, and bestowed onme this new body, which you see, by means of the tank which he hasconsecrated, and through the favour of the gods, whom he had longpropitiated; after such a manifestation, who shall doubt their power?Let the faces of all unbelievers be bowed down by shame; let a greatand solemn festival be made with song and dance in honour of Brahma, Siva, Yama, and the other deities, the rulers of the world, anddistribute much money among the poor. "

This speech was received with great approbation, and all, congratulating me and praising the gods, performed the duties imposedupon them. 

After this I went to the women's apartments, and there the firstperson whom I met was a very devoted servant of the princess, who hadbeen especially attentive to me. She, not imagining what had occurred, would have let me pass without especial notice; but I called her, andsaid: "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 itall means. "

I gave her a brief account of what had happened, and sent her toprepare 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 evenarose, and all the people were rejoiced at the favourable change, notonly in the person, but in the temper and disposition of theirsovereign. 

In due time I was publicly married to the princess, and reinstated herfather in his kingdom. 

I have now come here with an army to assist the King of Anga, and havethus obtained the great happiness of seeing you again. 

The prince, having heard this story, said "Your cleverness has indeedbeen great, and your personation of the Siddha wonderful. May youlong continue to possess such wisdom and prudence, combined with witand cheerfulness. " Then, looking at Visruta, he said: "It is now yourturn;" and he forthwith began:--

 * * * * *

ADVENTURES OF VISRUTA. 

My Lord, as I was wandering one day in the forest of Vindhya, I metwith a very handsome boy, standing by the side of a well, cryingbitterly. When I asked what was the matter, he said: "The old man whowas with me, when trying to get water from this well, fell in, and Iam unable to help him. What will become of me?"

Hearing this, I looked down the well, which was not very deep, and sawthe old man standing at the bottom, the water not being sufficient tocover him. By means of a long and tough stem of a creeper, I pulledhim up safely; then using it again as a rope, with a cup made fromthe hollow stem of a bamboo, I drew water for the poor child, who washalf dead with thirst; and finding that he was suffering from hungeralso, I knocked down some nuts from the top of a high tree with awell-aimed blow of a stone. 

The old man was very grateful for my timely assistance; and when wewere all comfortably seated in the shade, he gave me, at my request, along account of the circumstances which had brought him there, saying:--

"There was formerly a King of Vidarba remarkable for wisdom andjustice, learned in the Scriptures, a protector of his subjects (bywhom he was much beloved), a terror to his enemies, wise in politicalscience, upright and honest in all his actions, kind to hisdependents, grateful for even small services, and gracious to all. Having lived the full age of man, he died, leaving a prosperouskingdom to his son Anantavarma, a young man of great abilities, butcaring more for the mechanical arts, music, and poetry, than for hisduties as a ruler. 

"One day, one of his father's old counsellors in private addressed himthus: 'Sire, your majesty, with the advantage of royal birth, hasalmost every good quality that can be desired; your intelligence isvery great; your knowledge superior to that of others; but all this, without instruction in political science and attention to publicaffairs, is insufficient for a king; void of such knowledge, he isdespised, not only by foreigners, but by his own subjects, who, disregarding all laws, human and divine, at last perish miserably, anddrag down their sovereign in their fall. A king who has not politicalwisdom, however good his eyesight may be, is regarded by the wise as ablind 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 theart of government. Your power will then be strengthened, and you maylong 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'sapartments, and began to talk to them of the exhortation which he hadjust received. His observations were attentively listened to by one ofhis constant attendants, who determined, if possible, to turn theking's thoughts in another direction, and prevent him from beinginfluenced by the good advice which had been given. This man had manyaccomplishments; he was skilled in dancing, music, and singing; quickat repartee; a good story-teller; full of fun and jokes; but devoid ofhonour and honesty; false, slanderous, a receiver of bribes, a bad manin every way; yet, from his wit and humour, very acceptable to theking, whom he now thus addressed: 'Wherever there is a person ofexalted position, there are always clever rogues ready to prey uponhim, and, while degrading him, to accomplish their own base purposes. Some, under the guise of religion, will tell him: "The happiness ofthis world is shortlived and fleeting; eternal happiness can only beobtained by prayer and penance;" and so they persuade him to shavehis head, wear a dress of skins, gird himself with a rope of sacredgrass, and, renouncing all pleasures and luxuries, to betake himselfto fasting and penance, and give away his riches to the poor, meaning, of course, themselves; some of these religious impostors will evenpersuade their dupes to renounce children, wife--nay, even lifeitself. 

"'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 makegold; only furnish us with the means, and your riches shall beincreased a thousandfold;" to another: "We can show you how to destroyall 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: "Fourbranches of study are said to be proper for kings--the vedas, thepurānas, metaphysics, and political science;--but the first three areof very little advantage; they may safely be neglected, and he shouldgive up his mind to the last only. Are there not the six thousandverses composed for the use of kings, and containing the wholescience? Learn these by heart, and you will be prepared for allemergencies. " So then he must set to work to learn all these crabbedrules. He must; according to them, distrust every one, even wife orson. He must rise early, take a very scanty meal, and immediatelyproceed to business. 

"'First he must go over accounts, and balance income and expenditure;and while his rascally ministers pretend to have everything veryexact, they have forty thousand ways of cheating him, and take goodcare of themselves. 

"'Then he must sit in public, and be tired to death with receivingfrivolous complaints and petitions, and will not even have thesatisfaction of doing justice; for, whether a cause be just or not, his ministers will take care that the decision shall be according totheir 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 constantfear 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 understandeven the half of them; while they, pretending to act impartially, geteverything settled as they had previously agreed and by twisting anddistorting the reports of spies and emissaries, manage to servethemselves and their friends, and to get credit for putting downdisturbances which they themselves had excited. 

"'He is now allowed to take a little amusement, but the time for thisis restricted to an hour and a half. 

"'Then he must review his army; hear the reports of the commander ofhis forces; give orders for peace or war; and act upon the accountsbrought by spies and emissaries. 

"'However weary he maybe with all this, he must sit down and readdiligently, like some poor student, for several hours. Then at last hemay retire to rest; but before he has had half enough sleep, he willbe awaked in the early morning; and the priests will come to him, andsay: "There is an unfavourable conjunction of the planets; evil omenshave appeared; there is danger impending; the gods must bepropitiated; let a great sacrifice be made to-day. The brahmans arecontinually engaged in supplicating the gods on your behalf; yourprosperity is dependent on their prayers; they are miserably poor, andhave many children to support; let large donations be made. " Thus thegreedy wretches, under the pretence of religion, are continuallyrobbing the king and enriching themselves. 

"'This is the sort of life which you will have to lead, if you giveyourself up to the guidance of those greybeards; and, after all, though you may have studied and studied, pored over their mustyvolumes, and listened to their tedious lectures, you are not sure ofdoing right. 

"'And who are these fellows who set themselves up for wise men? Dothey always do right? Are they not often themselves cheated by theunlearned? Common sense is far better than all this learning; instinctand feeling will guide us in the right way; even an infant withoutteaching finds out how to draw nourishment from the mother's breast. Cast aside, then, the rules and restrictions with which these oldfools would bind you. Follow your natural inclinations, and enjoy lifewhile you can. You possess youth, beauty, and strength. You have alarge army, ten thousand elephants, and three hundred thousand horses;your treasury is full of gold and jewels, and would not be emptied ina thousand years. What more would you have? Life is short, and thosewho are always thinking of adding to their possessions, go on toilingto the last, and never really enjoy them. 

"'But why should I waste your time with needless arguments? I see youare already convinced. Commit, then, the cares of government to yourministers; spend your time with your ladies, and congenial friendslike me; enjoy drinking, music, and dancing, and trouble yourself nomore with affairs of state. '

"Having thus spoken, he prostrated himself in very humble attitude atthe feet of his master, who remained for a time silent, as ifundecided. 

"The women, who had been listening with delight to all that was said, seeing his hesitation, assembled round him, and, with sweet words andcaresses, easily persuaded him to follow his own inclination andtheirs. 

"From that time the young king, given up entirely to pleasures andamusements, left the affairs of the kingdom to his ministers; and, while allowing them to manage as they pleased, provided they did nottrouble him, openly treated them with insolence and neglect, and eventook pleasure in hearing them ridiculed by the worthless parasites whosurrounded him, so that even the wisest of his ministers, whilelamenting the sad state of affairs, could only acknowledge theirinability to remedy it, and wait till some great public calamity, orthe invasion of the country by a neighbouring sovereign, who wasgradually extending his dominions by force or cunning, should bringthe young king to his senses. 

"Ere long, what they had expected came to pass; for the King ofAsmaka, who had for some time coveted the country, but did not dareopenly to invade it while it was strong and prosperous, took measuresin secret to weaken the authority of Anantavarma, and diminish hisresources; and, lest he should perchance see the error of his ways andabandon his vicious courses, he secretly gave a commission to the sonof one of his ministers, a young man of great abilities and agreeablemanners, an eloquent flatterer and amusing companion, who arrived atthe court of Anantavarma, attended by a numerous retinue, as iftravelling about for his own pleasure. 

"This man soon became intimate with the king, and took care to fall inwith all his tastes, and to justify and praise every pursuit which heengaged in. 

"Thus, if he saw the king fond of hunting, he would say: 'What a finemanly sport this is! How it strengthens the body, braces the spirits, and quickens the intelligence! While roaming over hill and dale, youbecome acquainted with the country; by destroying the deer and wildbuffaloes, you benefit the husbandmen; by killing the tigers and otherwild beasts, you make travelling safer. ' And he would go on in thisway, without any allusion to the damage and destruction caused by theking's hunting expeditions. 

"If gambling was the favourite amusement, or there was excessivedevotion to women, or to drinking, he would very ingeniously bringforward everything that could be said in favour of them, passing overtheir disadvantages in silence. If the king was lavish to hisdependants, he would praise his generosity; if cruel, he would say:'Such severity is good; you maintain your own dignity by it; a kingought not to be like a patient devotee, submitting to insults, andready to forgive. 

"In this manner that wicked wretch obtained great influence over theking, and employed it to lead him into all sorts of excesses. 

"With such an example before them, all classes gradually becamecorrupted. The magistrates neglected their duties, and thought onlyhow they might enrich themselves; great criminals, who could bribe, escaped with impunity; the weak were oppressed by the strong; violenceand robbery were rampant; disturbances broke out on all sides; andsevere and indiscriminating punishments only stirred up indignation, without repressing crime. The revenue diminished, while expenditurewas increasing; everywhere loud complaints were heard, and greatdistress prevailed. 

"As if all this were not sufficient, the cruel King of Asmaka sentemissaries in all directions to mix unsuspectedly with the inhabitantsof Vidarba, and do as much mischief as possible. 

"Some would distribute subtle poisons in various ways; some would stirup quarrels between neighbouring villages, and so cause party fights;some contrived to let loose a furious elephant into a crowd, or get upan alarm by other means, and so cause a sudden panic, in which thepeople trampled down each other, and many lives were lost; others, disguised as hunters, promising abundance of game, would tempt meninto some narrow valley, between high mountains, where they weredevoured by tigers, or, unable to find their way out again, perishedof hunger and thirst. 

"By these and many other devices, they succeeded in destroying lifeand weakening the country, so that less resistance might be offered tothe invader. 

"Then, thinking the time to be arrived, the King of Asmaka preparedfor war. Meanwhile, his emissary was leading on the foolish young kingto destruction; and at this very time, as if in perfect security, hewas amusing himself with the performances of a celebrated actress anddancer, having, at the instigation of his treacherous friend, persuaded her, by large donations, to leave the King of Kuntala, withwhom she was a great favourite. 

"Indignant at such an insult, that king was easily persuaded to jointhe King of Asmaka, who had already obtained several other allieseager to have a share in the expected conquest and plunder. 

"Thus, when the country was actually invaded, no effectual resistancewas made; Anantavarma was easily defeated, and fell into the power ofhis cruel enemy. 

"The cunning King of Asmaka, who had gained his allies by many liberalpromises, had no intention of sharing the conquered country with anyone; he professed, however, great disinterestedness; declared that heshould be contented with a very small part; and, having desired hisallies to arrange between themselves what each should take, contrived, by his intrigues, to make them quarrel over the division. The resultwas that they fought with, and so weakened each other, that he wasable to disregard their claims, and to annex the whole of theconquered country to his own dominions. 

"After the defeat and death of Anantavarma, an old and faithfulminister escaped with the queen and her two children, this boy and hiselder sister Manjuvādini, together with a few faithful followers, including myself; and though the old minister was taken ill and diedon the road, the rest arrived safely at Mahishmati, where the queenwas well received by the king Amittravarma, a half-brother of herhusband, 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 bykilling 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 ashe is safe; take him and make your escape at once; I know not where tosend you, but if you can find a safe refuge, let me know, and I willcome to you, if possible. '

"In obedience to her commands, I took the boy, succeeded in escapingwith 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 besearching for us. Fearing discovery, I left the cottage, and enteredthe forest. Here, while trying to get water to quench the poor child'sburning thirst, I slipped into the well, where I should have perishedbut 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 aplace 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 hermother was Sagaradatta, daughter of Vaisravana, a merchant ofPātaliputra. "

"If so, " I replied, "she and my father are cousins by the mother'sside; this boy is therefore my relation, and has a right to myprotection. "

The old man was much pleased at hearing this, and I promised not onlyto protect the boy, but to contrive some means for reinstating him inhis proper position, and overcoming that wicked King of Asmaka withcunning 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, pursuedby 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 apart of it for ourselves. 

The forester was astonished by my skill, and delighted at theacquisition of so much food; and it occurred to me that I might getsome information from him. I asked him therefore: "Do you knowanything of what is going on at Mahishmati?"

"I was there early this morning, " he answered, "for I had a tiger skinand other skins to sell, and great festivities were in preparation;the Prince Prachandavarma, the king's younger brother, is about tomarry the Princess Manjuvādini, and the rejoicings are on thisaccount. "

After the forester was gone, I said to the old man (whose name wasNālijangha): "That wretch Amittravarma is trying to make it up withhis sister-in-law by promoting a good marriage for her daughter; nodoubt he thinks to persuade her to recall her son, that he may havehim in his power. Do you therefore leave the boy with me, and go backat once to his mother. Tell her how you have met with me, and that thechild is quite safe under my protection; but give out in public thathe has been carried off and devoured by a tiger. I shall come to thecity disguised as a beggar; do you wait for me near the cemetery. "

All this he promised to do, and set off immediately, having firstreceived further directions for the guidance of the queen. 

After some days, it was generally understood at Mahishmati that theboy who had escaped into the forest had been killed by a tiger; andthe king, secretly rejoicing, went to condole with the mother. Sheappeared as if greatly distressed by the news, and said to him: "Ilook upon the death of my son as a judgment upon me for not complyingwith your wishes, and am therefore now ready to become your wife. "

The old wretch was delighted at her compliance, and preparations weremade for the marriage. 

On the appointed day, in the presence of a numerous assembly, she tooka small leafy branch, and dipping it in what appeared to be water, butwhich really contained a deadly poison, struck him gently with it onthe 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 amfaithful 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 almostinstantaneously. Then dipping the same branch into other watercontaining an antidote, she struck her daughter in a similar manner;and, as no injury followed, the spectators were fully convinced thatthe death of Amittravarma was a punishment from heaven. 

Soon after this (by my directions, and in order to throw him off hisguard), she said to Prachandavarma: "The throne is now vacant; youshould occupy it at once, and make my daughter your queen. "

He listened to the suggestion; and, as the young boy, the nephew ofthe late king, was supposed to be dead, no opposition was made by thepeople. 

Then the Queen Vasundhara (also by my directions) sent for some of thelate king's ministers, and of the elders of the city, whom she knew tobe ill-affected towards Prachandavarma, and said to them: "Last nightthe goddess Durgā appeared to me in a vision, and said: 'Your child issafe; I myself, in the form of a tigress, carried him away, to savehim from his enemies. In four days from this time Prachandavarma willsuddenly die; on the fifth day let all the authorities assemble roundmy temple on the bank of the river, and close the doors, after havingascertained that no one is concealed inside. After waiting one hour, the door will open and a young brahman will come forth, holding yourson by the hand. That boy will become King of Vidarba, and thatbrahman is to marry your daughter. '"

After the divine manifestation in favour of the queen whenAmittravarma was struck dead, this account of the vision was readilybelieved by her hearers, who promised to keep the secret and to beguided 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 herdaughter, whom I greatly admired, and she, though agitated, wasevidently pleased with me, even under such a disguise. 

I did not venture to stay long, and after receiving an alms andassuring the queen that the imagined dream would prove true, I wentaway, taking the boy with me, and at parting, in order to deceive herattendants, she said aloud: "Your application shall not have been invain; I will take care to protect your boy. "

Nālijangha, the old servant whom I had rescued in the forest, met meon my arrival, and was waiting at the place which I had appointed. Iwent to him there and asked him for information as to the movementsand occupations of the new king. "That doomed man, " he answered, "thinking all obstacles removed, and rejoicing at his accession topower, is now amusing himself in the palace gardens, with a number ofactors, tumblers, and dancing girls. "

"I could not have a better opportunity, " I replied; "do you thereforestay here with the boy, and wait for me in this old ruin. I shall notbe long gone. "

I then dressed myself in the clothes of a tumbler, which I had broughtwith me for the purpose, went boldly into the garden, presented myselfto the king, and asked for permission to exhibit my skill before him. This was readily granted; an opportunity was soon given me of showingwhat 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 tobalance myself on the points. Then, still, holding one of the knives, I imitated the pouncing of a hawk and an eagle, and having by degreesgot near the king, I threw the knife with such good aim, that itpierced him to the heart, and I shouted out at the same time, "Longlive Vasantabhānu!" that it might be supposed I had been sent by him. After this, dashing by the guards, who tried to stop me, I suddenlyleaped over the wall, and before any of my pursuers could cross it, Ihad run a long way on the other side. Doubling back, I got behind agreat heap of bricks, and from thence, concealed by the trees, succeeded in reaching the ruins unobserved. Here I changed my clothesand went back to the city, as if nothing had happened. 

In order to have everything ready for my intended concealment, I hadgone secretly the day before to the Temple of Durgā, and had theremade an underground chamber, communicating with the interior throughan opening in the wall, which was carefully closed with a large stone, and now, taking the boy with me, I entered the hiding place, havingbeen furnished with suitable dresses and ornaments, sent by the queen, through Nālijangha. 

The assassination of Prachandavarma was universally attributed to hisenemy, the King of Asmaka, and the first part of the prophecy ofDurgā, as told by the queen, being thus accomplished, there was nodoubt, on the part of those who were in the secret, as to thefulfilment of the remainder. 

In the morning a great crowd was assembled round the temple; foralthough the secret of the queen's vision had been kept, it wasgenerally 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 templewas carefully searched, to make sure that no one was concealed there, and all having withdrawn, the doors were closed, and the people stoodwithout in silence, anxiously awaiting the pleasure of the goddess. 

A band then began to play and the kettledrums were loudly struck, sothat the sound reached me in the hiding-place. At this, which was thepreconcerted signal, I made a great effort, moved the large stone, andcame forth with the boy into the temple. Having changed our dresses, Iplaced the old ones in the hole, carefully refitted the stone, andthrowing the temple door wide open, stood in front of the astonishedmultitude, holding the young prince by the hand. 

While they were gazing in bewilderment, I thus addressed them: "Thegreat goddess Durgā, who lately showed herself in a vision to thequeen, has been pleased to restore to his longing mother this child, whom she, in the form of a tigress, had carried away, and she commandsyou, by my mouth, to accept him as your sovereign. "

Then turning to the queen, I said:--"Receive your child from the handsof Durgā, who will henceforth protect him as her own son; and by hercommand 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 yourcountry from that wicked King of Asmaka, whose cruel and unscrupulousintrigues are well known; accept me, therefore, as your deliverer, andas the guardian of the young king appointed by Durgā. "

Upon this all broke out into loud acclamations, saying: "Great is thepower of the glorious Durgā! happy the country of which you are theprotector!" and I was conducted in triumph to the palace, togetherwith the queen, who could now openly show her joy at the recovery ofher son. 

So well had I managed, that no suspicion arose of the deception whichhad been practised, and all the people venerated the young king asbeing especially under the protection of the goddess, and me as theagent chosen by her for his restoration. 

Thus my authority was well established. I caused, in due time, theyoung prince to be formally proclaimed king, and had him carefullyeducated; and I myself received the hand of the lovely Manjuvādini, asthe reward of my services and in obedience to the commands of Durgā. 

After some time, however, I began to reflect: "Though my position nowseems quite secure, yet, after all, I am a foreigner here, and whenthe first burst of admiration is over, people may perhaps begin toask, 'Who is this stranger who has come among us in such a mysteriousmanner? and what is he that he should thus lord it over us?' And itoccurred to me that if I could make friends with an old andmuch-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 Nālijangha totry him secretly and ascertain his feelings towards me. 

My agent, therefore, had many interviews with him, and tried topersuade him that it was not for the good of the country that astranger and foreigner should occupy such an important position, which ought rather to be held by a native, and that it would be verydesirable 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 foundunited in one person. I esteem the country very fortunate in havingsuch a ruler, and am convinced, that through him the King of Asmakawill one day be driven out, and our prince established on his father'sthrone. Nothing shall induce me to plot against such a man. "

After hearing this from Nālijangha, I tried the old minister invarious ways, and seeing no reason to doubt his fidelity andattachment, I gave him my full confidence, and found him a most usefulfriend. 

With his advice and assistance, I was able to appoint efficientofficers in every department. I encouraged religion and punishedheresy; I kept each of the four castes in their proper sphere, andwithout oppressing the people, I collected a large revenue, for thereis nothing worse than weakness in a ruler, and without money he cannotbe strong. 

[Here the story breaks off abruptly. ]

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LITERAL TRANSLATIONS. 

Page 244. 

My Lord, I, having a common cause with my friends of wandering, sawamong the Suhmans, in the outer park of a city called Damalipta, agreat festal crowd. There, in a bower of Atimukta creepers, I saw acertain young man amusing himself with the sound of a lute. I askedhim "Worthy sir, what is this festival called? on what account is thisbeginning, through what cause do you stand in solitude, accompanied(only) by your lute, as if out of spirits, not having done honour tothe festival?"

He replied: "The King of Suhma, called Tungadhanwa, being withoutoffspring, begged from the feet of Durgā, called Vindhyavāsinķ, [11]dwelling in this abode, having her love for the abode in Vindhyaforgotten, two children, and by her in a vision to him sleeping near(her temple) direction was given: 'There shall be produced of thee oneson, and one daughter shall be born; but he shall be in subjection toher husband. But let her, beginning from the seventh year till hermarriage, propitiate me every month while the moon is in Krittika (theconstellation of the Pleiades), with the ball-dance, for the obtainingan excellent husband; and whom she likes, to him she is to be givenand let this festival be called the Ball Festival. ' So she said. 

"Then in a very short time the beloved queen of the king, namedMedinķ, bore a son, and a daughter was born at the same time. Thatdamsel, called Kandukavati, will to-day propitiate the goddess havingthe moon as a diadem. 

"But her friend, Chandrasena by name, her foster-sister, was belovedof me; and in these days she has been violently besieged by the king'sson Bhimadhanwa. Therefore I, distressed, perplexed at heart by thepain of the arrow-darts of Kāma, somewhat consoling myself with thesoft tones of the lute, occupy a solitary place. "

And at that moment there came near a certain sound of anklets, and acertain lady came up. He indeed having seen her, with eyes openedwide, having risen up, having been embraced by her, sat down; and hesaid "This is the (lady) dear as my life, separation from whom, burning as it were, burns me up; and by that prince the robber ofthis, my life, I am brought to a state of coldness, as if by death;and I shall not be able, saying he is the king's son, to practiseloyalty towards him; therefore, having caused myself to be favourablyregarded by her, I will abandon a life which has no remedy. "

But she, with her face full of tears, said "O beloved, do not, on myaccount, engage in violence. Thou, who having been born of a worthymerchant, Arthadāsa, wast called Kosadāsa by thy parents, art calledby thy enemies Včsadāsa (slave of a girl), from thy excessiveattachment to me. Thou thyself being dead, I should imagine thepopular saying would be (he was) Nrisansa-Vesa--the slave of a wickedone. But now take me to any place you will. "

But he said to me: "Friend, in the regions seen by you, which was(the most) prosperous, abounding in corn, and having the greatestnumber of good men?"

To him, having laughed a little, I said "Wide is this (world boundedby) ocean and sky. There is no end of pleasant regions in one place oranother. But, indeed, if I should not be able to produce some plancausing you to live comfortably here, then, indeed, I will show youthe way. "

Meanwhile, the sounds of jewel-anklets arose. Now she, in a hurry, said: "My lord's daughter Kandukavati is come to propitiate Durgā withplaying at ball; and she is of unforbidden sight in this Kanduka(ball) festival. May the eye of you going to see her be successful; Imust be keeping near her. " So saying, she went away, and we twofollowed her. 

I first saw the red-lipped (lady) standing on the floor of a jewelledstage; and she, seen by me a stranger and at a distance, immediatelysettled in my heart. And I, having my mind occupied by astonishment, thought: "Is this Lakshmi? for the lotus is not placed in her hand;but in her (Lakshmi's) hand there is a lotus, and she (the goddess)has been all enjoyed by Vishnu, and by former kings; but in this(lady) there is unimpaired faultless youth. "

While I was thus reflecting, she, faultless in every limb, touchingthe ground with the tips of her stretched-out fingers, having her darkcurled locks shaken, having with agitation saluted the mighty goddess, took hold of the ball, resembling (in colour) the god without a body(_i. E. _ Kāma) having his eye reddened by no slight passion; and havingdropped it with graceful languor to the ground, having struck it, gently rising, with her bud-like hand having the delicate fingersstretched out, the thumb a little bent; having thrown, it up with theback of the hand, she caught it observed with active grace, in the airas it fell like a bunch of flowers joined with a circle of bees; andshe discharged it in middling slow and quick musical time, throwing itvery gently; and at that moment she displayed a quick movement withher feet; and when it stopped, she caused it to rise up with numerousblows; and, contrarywise, she caused it to rest; and she made it riseup like a bird, striking it regularly with her left and right handswhen it was come straight to her side, and having caught it fallenwhen it had risen to a very great height, she practised a song-step;and having caused it to go up in various directions, she made it comeback again. Thus sporting sweetly in various ways, accepting the wordsof praise loudly spoken at every moment by the people with theirfeelings interested come near to the stage, she stands turned towardsme (who was) leaning on the shoulder of Kosadaāsa, having just thenconfidence produced in me, with flushed cheek and wide expanded eye. Then she being caused to have a glancing look like that of Kandarpawhen first descended to earth, corresponding therewith having hergracefully-curved creeper[12] eyebrows sportively playing; with thenetwork of the rays of light of her lips oscillated by the waves ofthe wind of her breath, like twigs moved in sport, as if beating offthe bees eager to catch the perfume of heir lotus-face. In thecircular whirlings of the ball (caused) by very rapid striking, entering, as it were, a flowery cage, through bashfulness at sight ofme; in the Panchavindhu movement shaking off, as if through fear, thefive arrows of Kāma simultaneously falling (on her); in the Gomuttrikasteps quivering like the brightness shown in the cloud imitatingforked lightning; in the harmonious movements of her feet, having thetime kept by the sound of the jewelled ornaments; with her lower lipsuffused with the brightness of a furtive smile; with the mass of herlocks put up again when fallen down; with her jewelled girdle-beltsounding by knocking together; with the brightness of her muslindress, agitated as it rested on her gracefully prominent full hips;with the beautiful ball, struck by the quivering, bent, and extendedarms; with the arms like a loop, turned downwards; with her gracefulhair reaching to the end of the back, rolled round upwards; with thegame continued (and) not neglected from her rapidity in putting up thefallen-down golden leaf of the ear-ring; with the ball whirled inwardsand outwards by the feet and hands throwing it up repeatedly; with thenecklace lost to sight through bending down and rising up; the pearlswithout separation in falling and rising; with the wind of the littlebranch (stuck) in (or behind) the ear engaged in drying up the paintof the cheek spoilt by the perspiration breaking forth; with one handengaged in holding back on the surface of her bosom the fallingmuslin dress; sitting down and rising up, closing and opening hereyes, striking on the ground or in the air, with one ball or more thanone, she showed various sorts of play worth looking at. 

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PAGE 36. 

After that, a certain damsel, adorned with a quantity of ornaments, made of jewels, who had become the chief of the whole race of women inthe world, attended by a numerous train of modest female friends, having the gait of a swan, having come up softly, having made anoffering to the most excellent brahman, of one jewel of the form(colour) of flame, being asked by him: "Who art thou?"

Sorrowfully, with a low murmuring voice, very gently, in a submissiveattitude, said: "O excellent brahman, I am the daughter of a chief ofAsuras, Kalindi by name. My father, the ruler of this world, great indignity, in a battle in which the immortals were removed to adistance, was made a guest of the city of Yama by Vishnu, impatient ofhis own valour. Me, immersed in an ocean of grief at separation fromhim, a certain compassionate perfected devotee told: 'Damsel, acertain mortal, bearing a divine body, having become thy new husband, shall rule over the whole of Pātāla. '"

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PAGE 309. 

Having propitiated with clasped hands, put together in the form of thered lotus; the mass of rays coloured by the red sandalwood body of thethousand-eyed elephant of the eastern quarter having a thousandflames, the witness of things (which ought) to be done and not to bedone, the unique sea-monster leaping over the row of cloud-waves ofthe celestial ocean, the graceful actor dancing on the stage of thegolden rock, the one lion the tearer of the scented elephant ofnocturnal darkness, the jewel arranged at the top of the pearlnecklace the canopy of the stars; I went to my own dwelling. And threedays being gone, when the lord of day had a splendour of colour commonto it with the red chalk side of the peak of the western mountain, andwas looking like the orb of one bosom of the Goddess of Twilight, united with the body of Siva, under the name of atmosphere, for thedisparagement of the daughter of the king of mountains; that king alsohaving come, stood in humble attitude, having his diadem eclipsed bythe rays from the nails of the feet of this person placed on theground; and he was thus addressed:--

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PROPER NAMES, ETC. , OCCURRING IN THE TALES. 

_Alaka_, a mountain inhabited by Kuvera and the Yakshas. 

_Ambālika_, the daughter of Sinhavarma, wife of Mantragupta. 

_Amittravarma_, King or Governor of Mahishmati. 

_Anantavarma_, King of Vidarba. 

_Apahāravarma_, son of Prahāravarma, and one of the nine companions of Rājahansa. 

_Apsaras_, heavenly females, nearly corresponding with the houris of the Mahometans. 

_Arthapāla_, son of Kāmapāla, one of the nine companions of Rājahansa. 

_Arthapati_, a merchant at Champa, who wished to marry Kulapālika. 

_Aryaketu_, a minister and friend of Visruta. 

_Asura_, a general term for various supernatural beings not regarded as gods, but in general hostile to them, nearly the same as the jins or genii of the "Arabian Nights. "

_Avantisundari_, daughter of Mānasāra, wife of Rājavāhana. 

_Balabhadra_, a merchant, husband of Ratnavati. 

_Bālachandrika_, wife of Pushpodbhava, and friend of Avantisundari. 

_Bandhupāla_, a merchant, father of Bālachandrika. 

_Betel and pawn_, a mixture for chewing, frequently offered in politeness, as snuff with us. 

_Bheels_, savages, wild tribes, robbers. 

_Bhimadhanwa_, brother of Kandukavati. 

_Buddhist_, a disciple of Buddha. Buddha was a Hindoo reformer, whose followers were once very numerous in India, but at the date of these stories had been much diminished in number, through the persecutions of the brahmans. They still, however, form a large part of the population of Ceylon, Thibet, China, and some other countries, though the comparatively pure religion of the founder has for the most part degenerated into gross idolatry and unmeaning ceremonies. 

_Chakravāka_, name of a bird quoted for affection, as turtle-doves by us. 

_Chandāla_, a pariah, outcast. 

_Chandrasena_, foster-sister of the Princess Kandukavati. 

_Chātaka_, a bird supposed to be very fond of rain, and to make a loud noise at its approach. 

_Dhanamittra_, husband of Kulapālika, friend of Apahāravarma. 

_Dharmapāla_, one of Rājahansa's ministers. 

_Dharmavardhana_, King of Sravasti. 

_Durga_ or _Kāli_, wife of Siva, a terrific goddess, delighting in human sacrifices. 

_Gaurķ_, wife of Siva. 

_Ghee_, liquid butter, or butter which has been liquefied. 

_Indra_, the chief of the inferior gods, presiding over the clouds, rain, thunder, &c. 

_Kailāsa_, a mountain, part of the Himālaya chain. 

_Kalahakantaka_, the man who fell in love with a portrait. 

_Kalindķ_, Queen of Pātāla, wife of Matanga. 

_Kalpasundari_, wife of Vikatavarma, afterwards of Upahāravarma. 

_Kāma_ or _Kandarpa_, the God of Love. 

_Kāmamanjari_, the actress who seduced the Muni. 

_Kāmapāla_, son of Dharmapāla, minister and son-in-law of the King of Benāres. 

_Kanakalekha_, daughter of the King of Kalinga, wife of Mantragupta. 

_Kandukavati_, the princess who performed the ball-dance. 

_Kantaka_, the gaoler killed by Upahāravarma. 

_Kantimati_, the wife of Kāmapāla, mother of Arthapāla. 

_Kirāta_, a savage, forester, Bheel. 

_Kosadāsa_, lover of Chandrasena. 

_Kusa-grass_, a scented grass, much used at sacrifices for laying offerings on, &c. 

_Kuvera_, the God of Wealth, whose attendants were the Yakshas. 

_Magadha_, the kingdom of Rājahansa. 

_Mahākāla_, a famous temple of Siva, the object of many pilgrimages. 

_Mahishmati_, name of a city. 

_Malaya_, a mountain, or range of mountains, having many sandal trees, the perfume from which was supposed to be carried a long distance by the wind. 

_Mālwa_, the kingdom of Mānasāra. 

_Mānapāla_, the officer who guarded Vāmalochana. 

_Mānasāra_, King of Mālwa, conqueror of Rājahansa. 

_Manibhadra_, a Yaksha, father of Tārāvali. 

_Manjuvādinķ_, daughter of Anantavarma, wife of Visruta. 

_Mantra_, a verse or chapter in the vedas, any prayer or words recited as a charm. 

_Mārķchi_, a great muni seduced by Kāmamanjari. 

_Matanga_, a brahman who went down to Pātāla together with Rājavāhana. 

_Mithila_, a city or country, called also Videha. 

_Mitragupta_, one of the nine companions of Rājavāhana. 

_Muni_, a holy man devoted to study, meditation, and penance. 

_Nālijangha_, the old man whom Visruta rescued from the well. 

_Nārāyana_, a name of Vishnu, an incarnation of the three principal gods, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva. 

_Navamālika_, daughter of the King of Sravasti, wife of Pramati. 

_Padmodbhava_, one of Rājahansa's ministers. 

_Pātāla_, a fabulous subterranean country. 

_Prachandavarma_, King or Governor of Mahishmati, killed by Visruta. 

_Prahāravarma_, King of Mithila, father of Apahāravarma and Upahāravarma. 

_Priyamvada_, Queen of Prahāravarma. 

_Purnabhadra_, the reformed robber, servant of Kāmapāla. 

_Pushpapuri_, the capital of Magadha. 

_Rāgamanjari_, an actress, sister of Kāmamanjari. 

_Rājahansa_, king of Magadha, father of Rājavāhana, the hero of the story. 

_Rakshas_ or _Rakshasas_, evil spirits or ogres, hostile to men, whom they used to devour. 

_Rati_, a goddess, wife of Kāma. 

_Rishi_, nearly the same as Muni, a holy man retired from the world, devoted to prayer and meditation. 

_Satyavarma_, son of a minister of Rājahansa, and father of Somadatta. 

_Savara_, fem. _Savari_, a savage, not a Hindoo. 

_Siddha_ (literally perfected), a very holy devotee. 

_Simanta_, a religious ceremony performed on behalf of a woman at a certain period of pregnancy. 

_Sinhaghosha_, the deposed King of Benāres. 

_Sinhavarma_, King of Anga, father of Ambālika. 

_Sitavarma_, one of Rājahansa's ministers. 

_Sringālika_, the nurse of Rāgamanjari. 

_Siva_, one of the three chief gods or triad of the Hindoos, Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu, who are sometimes regarded as one, sometimes confounded with each other. 

_Sumantra_, son of Dharmapāla. 

_Susruta_, son of Padmodbhava. 

_Tārāvali_, a Yaksha lady, wife of Kāmapāla. 

_Vāmadeva_, a holy man consulted by Rājahansa. 

_Vāmalochana_, daughter of Vķraketu, wife of Somadatta. 

_Vasumati_, Queen of Rājahansa. 

_Vasundhara_, Queen of Anantavarma the King of Vidarba. 

_Vidarba_, name of a country. 

_Videha_, a country called also Mithila. 

_Vidyādhara_, one of the numerous demigods. 

_Vidyeswara_, the conjuror who married Rājavāhana to Avantisundari. 

_Vikatavarma_, King of Mithila, husband of Kalpasundari. 

_Vimardaka_, a keeper of a gaming house, employed by Apahāravarma. 

_Vķraketu_, King of Pātali, father of Vāmalochana. 

_Yaksha_, a sort of demigod or fairy, a servant of Kuvera. 

_Yama_, God and Judge of the Infernal Regions. 

_Yati_, an ascetic, a devotee. 

_Yavana_, a Greek, an Arabian--any foreigner. 

THE END. 

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FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: A religious ceremony on behalf of a woman at a certainperiod of pregnancy. ]

[Footnote 2: The Hindoos attach much importance to certain marks onthe body, such as the lines on the hands, &c. ]

[Footnote 3: Kusa-grass, or kuskus, is used for strewing the floor ofa sacrificial enclosure, for laying offerings on, and for other sacreduses. ]

[Footnote 4: To be pushed in through opening in a wall, so as toreceive any blow which might be given. ]

[Footnote 5: To be let loose that it might put out the lights. ]

[Footnote 6: Hindoo women, when absent from their husbands, alwayswear, or used to wear, their hair done up into a single braid. ]

[Footnote 7: The author has here made a mistake which cannot beexplained. In the introductory chapter Pramati is the son of Sumati, and there is nowhere mention of a second son of Kāmapāla. Theconfusion of names is, however, of little importance, since theadventures of Arthapāla and Pramati are quite distinct. ]

[Footnote 8: Increaser of virtue. ]

[Footnote 9: It was considered a very great sin to be, evenindirectly, the cause of the death of a brahman. ]

[Footnote 10: An evil spirit, the ghoul of the "Arabian Nights, " thereaders of which will remember the story of Amina, who goes out atnight to feast on dead bodies. ]

[Footnote 11: The inhabitant of Vindhya. ]

[Footnote 12: Resembling tendrils. ]

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