विक्रम चरित (उज्जैन सम्राट् विक्रमादित्य - पराक्रम, न्याय एवं ३२ पुतलियों की कथा सटीक)

174 CHAPTER XI. Veytal concludes the history, and disappears. "THE Princess Moheeny and the widow Shambae pro- ceeded on their way together, as we have seen, and within a few days arrived within the dominions of king Kankame- roo, by whom the princess was so loved, though he had never seen her. Shambae immediately sent forward a messenger to his majesty, informing him of the successful termination of her mission, and that she was even then conducting the object of his passion towards his capital. The messenger appeared before the monarch with as little delay as possible, and the king was thrown into a transport of joy on receiving the glad tidings. He ordered that two palanquins, several female attendants, and a proper suite, should be sent out to meet Moheeny, accompanied also by a large number of musicians and all the other necessary appendages to the train of a lady of rank and station. Shortly after, Moheeny and Shambae were conducted to the palace in great state, and the people flocked in from all quarters to catch a glimpse of the beautiful lady that was brought for the king. They all with one accord gave their opinion that she was a person of incomparable beauty and figure, and that there was not one in the whole kingdom who could be compared to her. Moheeny was directed to take possession of one of the best sets of apartments in the palace, which was assigned to her by the king's express command. "The monarch found in Moheeny all that the most vivid imagination could have painted, and he was for awhile almost beside himself with joy at the contemplation of her dazzling beauty. He was so transported with extacy that he addressed her thus:—'My goddess! my charmer!—

175 whence came you ? I never before felt for the handsomest among women what I now feel for you ! From the day on which I became possessed of the rich diamond, I have been like one in a trance, and your lovely presence restores me to life, love, and happiness !' Then, turning to Shambae, who stood by, he said, ' My good woman, you have placed me under a deep debt of gratitude : but for you I should ere this have been numbered with the dead. I give you credit for the greatest tact and ability, and you shall hence- forth have charge of all my queens. I thank you sincerely for all you have done : you have acted the part of a great and skilful physician, and have cured me of my malady. You may rest assured you shall not go unre- warded.' The king continued praising this woman exces- sively, adding at last that she even surpassed his minister in capacity and judgment ; and she was immediately made matron and keeper of his queens' apartments. “ At night, after supper, the king sent for Shambae, and desired her to ask Moheeny whether she would allow him to pass the night with her. The widow accordingly repaired to Moheeny's room,.and begged her to grant his majesty's request. Moheeny smiled, and said, ' I should have had much pleasure in acknowledging my gratitude and esteem for the king by obeying him at once, but that I have made a vow to a certain deity, which precludes the possibility— for the present, at least—of compliance. I have been very fortunate in falling into such good hands. My vow was made for the purpose of securing a good and happy position, when the death of my husband left me without a friend or protector. This I have now obtained, but I cannot on any account agree to the king's proposal until after I shall have fulfilled the vrut.* Only then can I venture to take part in anything worldly. Permit me also,' continued Moheeny, ' to thank you for your share in what has resulted in securing me so happy a condition. Your kindness I shall

• Consecration by vow.

. 176 never forget. You seem to have great influence with his majesty : use it now in my behalf. All I want is nine days for completing my vow. I also desire that his majesty will be pleased to order the necessary preparations for the occasion, and direct the chief priest of his household to prepare for the vrut, in accordance with our law. Lose no time, good mother, but go quickly and submit my requests to his majesty, and intercede for me.' The deluded Sham- bae returned to the king, and communicated to him all that Moheeny had said ; at the same time she besought him to have patience, and to grant Moheeny's request ; adding that there was no fear of her escaping, as she was strictly confined within his palace, and carefully watched. The king unwillingly consented, and retired to sleep. Next morning he directed a temporary shed to be erected, beau- tifully and richly ornamented, and, having summoned the priests and worshipped the deity, as was the custom, the brahmins and other devout persons were sumptuously feasted for the space of nine days. On the ninth day, towards the close of the ceremony, Moheeny, according to the direction of the chief priest, worshipped the deity, and then, clasping her hands together, she addressed it thus :—‘ O goddess ! I know thee to be the principal maker of the universe ; the hermits and sages are perpetually thinking of thee ; Brahma* is unable to recount thy invisible power ! How then can I, with my profane tongue, praise thee as I ought ? People born blind are restored to sight if thou but lookest on them ; the lame are made to walk, the idiot restored to sense, and the dumb made to speak ! Thy compassion is great beyond measure ! If thou pleasest thou canst imme- diately change pebbles into precious stones ; therefore the devotees engage in the profoundest and most abstract contemplation of thee. Hermits are absorbed in the medita- tion of thy goodness ; the pious and learned are continually

• The first of the Hindoo Triad, or the form of the deity as crea- tor of the universe.

177 praising thy endless power! O goddess! O deity! behold my miserable condition, and listen to my invocation! Pity me, and relieve me from the dreadful misfortune that, is now impending over me!' As she was thus praying, a voice was heard from the heavens, saying, 'Moheeny! fear not! —your deliverance is at hand! Your beloved husband and his friend will soon visit you!' On hearing these words of consolation, the princess felt greatly reassured. She prostrated herself before the deity in thanksgiving, after which she arose, calm and collected. "Let us return now to Hurridass, whom we left with the hermit. He there mastered every mysterious art, and became thoroughly conversant with the moral duty of man- kind. One night he dreamed that his friend, Prince Sew- dass, was in great danger, and expiring in the cavern where he had left him in health and enjoyment. This occurred on the very night during which Shambae was engaged in prosecuting her base designs against the prince. He started up in affright, and looked around him, feeling much inclined to set out on the instant, but as the hour was late he contented himself with awakening the hermit and telling him his dream. The next morning, however, he requested the hermit's leave to go and see his friend, whom he had promised, he said, to visit in four months, and that period had already expired. The hermit consented to his going, and instructed him in a certain charm of resuscitation, at the same time giving him a pair of clogs, telling him to put them on his feet and then think of the place he wished to reach, and he would be instantly transported there. Hurri- dass, after prostrating himself before the hermit, and receiv- ing his benediction, did as he was bid, and instantly, almost within the twinkling of an eye, he found himself at the cave. He was surprised to find that neither the prince nor his consort was there to receive him, and he began to search the different rooms. When he came to the bed-chamber, he perceived some one lying on the bed: he approached, and great was his horror, on opening the curtain and X

178 removing the sheet, to find the prince stretched out life- less! He was fully convinced that this misfortune had been brought about by the sword, for which he searched in the chamber and all over the place in vain. He thought he should perhaps find it in the fire-place, and sure enough it was there, plunged among the hot coals. He removed it for the purpose of cooling it, after which he rubbed its edge, and ran into the prince's apartment, taking a little water in his palm. There he uttered some words, as he had been instructed by the hermit, and sprinkled the water on the body of the prince, who moved as if in sleep, and then opened his eyes wide with astonishment at not finding his wife there, instead of whom he saw his friend Hurridass. Sewdass got up hastily, and they embraced each other in a most affectionate manner. The prince had not been aware of any design against his life, and therefore made no allusion to it, but at once enquired into the state of his friend's health. Hurridass, instead of satisfying him on this head, informed the prince of the cause of his journey by means of the clogs, and how he had brought him to life again. It then occurred to the prince that all this must have been the work of the widow, and he accordingly told his friend all that he knew of the matter. Hurridass inter- rupted him, and proposed they should both set about searching for Moheeny at once, which they did. They went into every room and place where there was any likeli- hood of finding her, but it was all in vain, as Moheeny had departed with the widow a few minutes before the arrival of Hurridass. In this dilemma they found under the cot the two jewels which Moheeny had placed on the sheet which covered her husband's remains, and they recognised the jewels as having formed part of her neck ornament. At last they lighted upon the one she had left at the gateway; they then re-entered the cavern and proceeded to examine the valuables and treasures in the place, all of which they found correct. "The prince and Hurridass now made up their minds to

179 proceed in their search for Moheeny beyond the precincts of the cave, and therefore they made a hasty meal and came out together. A few steps further on they found another of the jewels, and so on at short distances from each other : these they gathered, and continued to follow the track. In a few days they arrived at the city where Moheeny was ; and here they heard almost every man whom they met speak of a certain lady of high rank and rare beauty who had recently been brought to the palace, and who was then engaged in performing a ceremony to a certain deity, and that the ceremony was to conclude on that day. This lady, they said, had been brought from a remote place by a widow named Shambae, who was in the king's service, and had been sent to fetch this lovely creature, who was now deservedly admired by all, about four months before. The prince and his friend, on hearing this intelligence, were extremely concerned, and much incensed against the said widow ; they could not help cursing both her and the king. They, however, lost no time in disguising themselves like respectable devotees, and in hastening to the palace. On their arrival the attendants conducted them, by the king's orders, to the assemblage of priests, who importuned them to assist at the last ceremony of the nine days' celebration. Moheeny, when she saw them, immediately recognised them, and received them with every demonstration of joy and respect, entreating them to assist her in the purnahooty.* Moheeny then sent for the widow, and, when she came, desired her to tell his majesty to send all his royal treasure, both jewels and cash, to be laid before the deity. It was brought accordingly, by order of the king, and piled before the deity in a circle. This latter ceremony was performed in the apartment allotted to Moheeny. The last rite having been performed, she distributed immense treasure and large quantities of clothing to the Brahmins, who, after regaling

• A particular burnt-offering to several deities, made at the close of certain ceremonies.

180 themselves at the expense of the king, set out on their respective journeys. Moheeny likewise bestowed her charity very liberally on others who had assisted her in the cele- bration. That day seemed very long to the king, so impa- tient was he to enjoy the society of the beautiful female who had tantalised him so long. It was scarcely dusk, when he sent for Shambae to carry a message from him to Moheeny. "Prince Sewdass and his companion Hurridass, having taken some refreshment in Moheeny's apartment, were engaged in concerting plans of escape. In the mean time Moheeny sent for Shambae, and said to her, 'Good mother, the vow I made to secure the king for my husband has been fulfilled by your kind aid, for which I cannot sufficiently thank you. I shall ever remember it with feelings of gratitude.' Saying this, Moheeny approached her, and, holding her hand, respectfully forced her to sit down on a raised seat. No sooner was the widow seated than Moheeny shut the door of the apartment, and Hurri- dass beckoned to the prince to lose no time. 'Take the bar, and worship first the widow's head and then her feet,' said he. The hint was immediately taken by the prince, who got up, and, taking the bar, struck the widow on the head with such force that she fell dead without a groan. He repeated the blow in his fury, though Shambae showed no sign of life. Hurridass then rapidly collected all the treasure, among which he found the paduck* which Moheeny had lost, and having made it into a bundle, he put on the invaluable clogs, took Sewdass and Moheeny one on each shoulder, muttered the charm that had been taught him by the hermit, and they were immediately transported back to the cave. The prince was lost in surprise at the miraculous aid afforded by the clogs, and thanked Hurridass for his kindness and the trouble he had taken in saving them from the danger they had just escaped. Moheeny set about relating to them all that had occurred to her subsequent to

• The centre diamond.

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her departure from the cave, and in conclusion also thanked Hurridass for the signal service he had rendered them. “ King Kankameroo, having arrayed himself in his best and most costly apparel, awaited the coming of the widow in accordance with his summons. The attendant who had been sent for her returned and said that she had gone to Moheeny’s apartment, whither he had followed her,—that finding the door closed he had knocked at it, but no answer came from within,—that he cried out several times, but received no reply. The king immediately repaired in person to the door of the apartment, and ordered it to be broken open ; this having been done, they entered, and perceived, to their great amazement and horror, that the unfortunate widow was dead : her hands and feet were widely 'extended, and she lay weltering in her blood, a bar lying across her breast. At this spectacle the king began to lament the loss of one he prized so much as an instrument for carrying out his objects and designs ; but his grief was turned into rage when he found that not only Moheeny was missing, but also all his treasure ! He was wild with passion, and for a time could not utter a single word. At length he swooned, and found some relief in unconsciousness. When he recovered, he cried aloud, ‘ Oh, where is my diamond of love, and all my state treasure ? How have I been deceived ! I do not think it possible that I can survive the stroke ! Let me die ! I cannot sustain this double loss—the jewel of my heart and the jewels of my state !’ His minister, who had received notice of the event, immediately repaired to the palace, and found the king in a great frenzy. He endea- voured to compose him, and said ‘ Your majesty must take courage, and not succumb to the grief which I know you must feel at the loss of your fair lady and the treasure of the state. Consider well what a sage has said, that acquisi- tions, death, and losses are not in the hand of man,—they are only in the hands of God. It is true that men are allowed to live and to enjoy themselves in this world, but that is because God so wills it. Our enjoyment here will

182 be in proportion to our merits. We doat upon such temporal enjoyments, and do our utmost to prolong them, but we cannot expect to be in possession of them for a moment longer than God wills it.’ ‘Oh my friend!’ said the king, ‘that is all very true, but listen to me. Were you capable of procuring for me the object of my love?— No; it was Shambae who brought her here. The beauty and charms of that unequalled being have smitten me to my heart’s core, and I am wholly absorbed in grief and melancholy. Look what hypocrisy she has resorted to,— how she has killed my faithful servant, and made away with all my treasure! And in what way could she have effected all this? Alas! is there nothing you can propose to discover her retreat?’ ‘Do not allow yourself to suffer any more on her account,’ resumed the minister; ‘suppress your evil desires, and reflect for a moment on the greatness of God and his power. He has made all these luxuries and enjoyments for men, but how transient and short-lived are they! I implore your majesty to divert your mind from these worldly prizes, and to fix it in the contemplation of the glory of the Almighty, which will teach you and all of us how to conduct ourselves in this world. I trust your majesty will act as becomes your good sense and mature judgment, and, by adding to the comforts of your subjects, and ameliorating their condition, give them cause to love you and acknowledge your merit, and thus call down upon you the blessing of heaven.’ “Prince Sewdass and his friend Hurridass had by this time almost wholly forgotten the trials and sufferings they had undergone; and after living for awhile in ease and comfort, they contemplated visiting their respective parents, from whom they had not heard since their elopement. After some consultation they raised, with great exertion and at enormous expense, an immense army, like that of some great and powerful monarch, and, loading a number of camels with the wealth, riches, and furniture they found in the cavern, they set out for the city from whence they

183 had first travelled. The troops formed a magnificent retinue, and in a few days they reached the neighbourhood of the city. The officer of the fort received information that a great army was approaching, and he became greatly alarmed. When, however, he saw it with his own eyes, he thought proper not to lose a moment in reporting it to the king, who was also taken by surprise. He directly despatched an officer to bring authentic intelligence as to the object of this grand array of men and beasts. The officer, on reaching the advanced guard of the strange army, tried to glean some information from the soldiers, but could learn nothing satisfactory, so he returned to the king without loss of time, and informed him that he had failed in extracting anything from the men, as they were all profoundly silent. On this the king ordered his regular troops to be on the alert; and, as soon as the principal officers of state had been summoned to his presence, he ordered them to proceed with the troops, and stop the progress of the enemy, and, if need be, to engage them in battle. “ The king's army accordingly proceeded on their mission, and marched quickly to meet the forces of Prince Sewdass. The latter, seeing the hostile movement of the king's troops, and rightly guessing the cause, despatched a messenger with an epistle addressed to the king. He was ushered into the royal presence, and was received with the usual courtesies. He then delivered the packet, and informed his majesty, in addition, of every particular regarding Prince Sewdass and the minister’s son. The king and his minister could scarcely believe their senses; but after awhile, every doubt as to the identity of the persons heading the foreign troops having been removed, the court rang with cheers of joy and welcome. The king went forth in person to meet his son, and in his train followed the minister and a host of others. The two friends, Sew- dass and Hurridass, were delighted to see their respective fathers, and having alighted from their chargers, they embraced them with sincere joy and much affection. They

184 then proceeded into the city, amid the cheers of those assembled. The king conducted them to his palace, where Hurridass took leave of the prince and the now aged king, and wended his steps, together with his father, to the pater- nal mansion. There he was met by his mother and relatives, who all by turns lavished on him their affectionate caresses. In like manner was the prince received at the palace. “The day following, the aged monarch declared before his assembled courtiers that, being worn out with age and the infirmities attendant thereon, he had resolved on placing the crown on the head of Prince Sewdass, his son, and on nominating Hurridass prime minister, in place of his father. The assembled gentry and the officers of the court heard the resolution with great and unfeigned joy, for they knew that the successors to the king and to the minister were worthy of that distinction, and would acquit themselves in a manner worthy of their rank and position. Accordingly, the king, having seated Prince Sewdass on the throne with all due form and ceremony, invested Hurridass with the robe of the prime minister. Rejoicings and displays befitting the occasion were celebrated in and around the palace, and the populace shouted with one voice their wishes for long life and prosperity to the newly-created sovereign and his minis- ter. Thus did Prince Sewdass and his friend enter at an early age into the administration of state affairs, but they never- theless conducted themselves with so much dignity and judgment that they gained the applause of all who witnessed their bearing and conduct, as well as universal respect and esteem.” The peacock, having concluded the above relation, flew from the chowrung on which he had been seated, and was instantly lost to view in the design upon the wall.

185 CHAPTER XII. Veytal re-appears, in the form of a peculiar description of swan, and commences to relate the history of the Princess Chitrangee and Charoo, the merchant's son. WHEN the peacock made his exit, as related at the conclusion of the last chapter, there remained only a prahur* to sun-rise. The Princess Pudmavutty and the disguised brahmin were much delighted with the narration of the peacock, and wished that some other bird would make its appearance and amuse them in a like manner, which would enable them to sit out the remainder of the night in the enjoyment of similar pleasure. They had barely time to give expression to their thoughts, when the Veytal again appeared, for the fourth time, in the shape of a Rajhouse,† and took up his seat upon the chowrung, as the three other birds had done. It must be recollected that the brahmin was the only person present who knew it to be the Veytal. The fine shape and beautiful feathers of the Rajhouse contrasted so strongly with his odd tricks and apparently funny disposition, that the princess fell into an immoderate fit of laughter, but she did not tell it to commence its tale, which as usual fell to the brahmin, who addressed the Rajhouse in the following words:—"Oh most excellent bird!—I pray you do us the favour of diverting us with a tale until the dawn, which will not be long in coming. We have spent the greater portion of the night in listening to the interesting tales of three different birds, and I sincerely hope you will contribute to our amusement from the store of knowledge you doubtlessly possess." The * A period of three hours. † A peculiar description of swan. Y

186 Rajhouse replied, “I do not refuse to do your bidding, but ere I proceed I must beg of you to obtain the permission of our royal hostess, which is essentially necessary. Moreover, the relation I purpose giving is one of much interest, and will doubtless be productive of considerable amusement.” The princess, hearing this, thought to herself that this tale would probably surpass even those she had already heard, and therefore bade the Rajhouse proceed at once with it; whereupon the bird, having indicated to the brahmin that the princess had both laughed and spoken, and solicited the close attention of all present to what he was about to relate, began as follows:— “There was once in heaven, in Indra’s* hall of audience, a grand assemblage of angels and other spirits, at which dancing-girls of every description and nation were invited to attend. Among them was one named Chitrangee, who was possessed of great beauty and attractions, combined with skill and a genteel deportment. Indra, who was much pleased with her, desired her to sing and dance, and she submissively obeyed his royal mandate. She sang with such tenderness and pathos that the whole assemblage expressed their high delight, and extolled her beauty and qualifications in very profuse terms, as well as her musical performance. Before, however, she had ended the dance, she lost her unison and consonance with the instrument, which greatly displeased them. Indra, preceiving this confusion, fell into a violent passion, and exclaimed, ‘O thou wretched woman!—thou false one!—what is this thou art doing before the subha?† Thou shalt assume the form of humanity, and dwell in the world!’ These words fell upon the ears of Chitrangee like a thunder-clap, and she stood as though spell-bound in the midst of her dancing. Clasping

• The name of the deity presiding over Swarga (the Hindoo Para- dise) and the secondary divinities. † An assembly.

187 her hands together in the most submissive manner, she thus addressed the enraged Indra :—‘ My lord, be merciful to me !—pardon my shortcomings if I have been wanting in my duties ! Restore me to thy favor and to happiness, otherwise I shall be wholly undone !’ Indra was moved and somewhat appeased by her entreaty, and told her that she should not be subjected to any great misery, but should be transformed into a princess, and should dwell in the court of a king,—that when she attained the age of twelve she would become possessed of great talent and virtue,— that a person who would give her a full account of Chitra- koot would wed her,—and that after she had made herself fully acquainted with that narrative she would exchange her mortal frame for one of celestial mould, such as she then possessed, and be again reunited to the host of heavenly beings. She prostrated herself accordingly at the feet of Indra, and, after taking leave of all those assembled there, she returned to her abode at Chitrakoot, where she spent the day in the usual manner, but in a very dejected mood. At night she retired to sleep, and in her sleep her soul quitted her body and descended to the world. “ There was at that time a king in the city of Kanchun- poory named Chakradunt, who was gifted with every virtue, and who had a very chaste and handsome consort, but although they had been married for several years they had not been blessed with issue. This was a source of great uneasiness to the king. At length the queen, for the first time, became pregnant, which sent a thrill of joy into the king’s almost withered heart. In the usual course of nature she was delivered of a daughter of surpassing beauty, and they called her Chitrangee.* The king caused great rejoic- ings to be made, and thanksgiving to be offered throughout his dominions, and performed the usual ceremonies enforced by custom and religion. The child was reared with great care and solicitude until she arrived at years of discretion,

• Signifying, Endowed with varied talents and excellencies.

188 when the king proposed that she should marry ; and with that view ordered his minister to repair, with a suitable retinue, to the courts of various neighbouring princes, to seek for a personage of befitting rank and position to become the husband of Chitrangee. He also sent several other officers on a like errand. They were engaged in this way for several years, but no eligible consort could be found for the princess. They therefore returned to court, and acquainted the king with the unsuccessful result of their mission, at which he was extremely grieved, and thrown into consider- able anxiety. While he was revolving in his mind what he should next do, the princess, observing the mood he was in, presented herself before her father, and begged him in such moving terms to make her acquainted with the cause of his apparent distress, that he could not refrain from opening his mind to her. ‘My lord,’ said she, ‘be not grieved that you have not been able to procure a fit personage to become my partner for life. Permit me to propose a plan which I trust will prove successful, and ensure the realisa- tion of your wishes. I am sensible of your paternal love and affection, which have for their aim the promotion of my happiness. The scheme I would propose is this : let a large, round, and smooth wooden pillar be erected ; on its top let one thousand small bundles be fastened, in a single row, and under each of these bundles place a ruby. The person who claims my hand in marriage must first climb to the top of the pillar and remove each of the rubies separately from under its respective bundle, and then give me an exact account of the Chitrakoot mountain, as I am very desirous to become acquainted with it. The person who acquits himself of this task to my satisfaction shall be my husband, of whatever degree or condition in life he may be, even if he be poor or deformed. Your majesty need only write notices to this effect, and publish them far. and wide, besides sending them to all the courts you can think of. I am sure the greatest men and princes will attend, if not on my account, at least for the sake of

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displaying their gallantry and capacity.’ The king approved highly of his daughter’s suggestion, and set about it forth- with. Letters having been sent to all the neighbouring courts, and public notice given, the pillar was erected near the gate of the palace, and preparations on an extensive scale were made for the occasion. Shortly afterwards the messengers returned from the several courts, with a reply that all the nobles and princes regretted very much they could not consent to attempt the task, as it was a most severe one: they had heard of many, they said, but none of them so difficult of accomplishment as the one now proposed by his majesty. Though they might perform the dangerous ascent of the pillar, it was more than doubtful whether any could be found to give an exact account of the Chitrakoot mountain. Under these circumstances, therefore, they each and all begged his majesty would excuse their attendance, which could be productive of nothing but their utter humiliation and discomfiture. The king was astonished and much disappointed on receiving this reply. He however resolved on giving the matter a fair trial, and with that view sent criers round the country, intimating that all classes of persons would be allowed to contend for the princess’ hand in the manner prescribed; and in the mean time a strong guard was placed in charge of the pillar. “In the city of Charten, which was formerly governed by a powerful monarch, there lived a merchant named Nanawuttee, who had by his care and industry amassed much wealth, and who lived in great splendour. He was married to a beautiful wife, endowed with much virtue and good sense, who had borne him three sons. The first was called Kotashwer, the second Lockaswer, and the third Charoo.* Of these the youngest was the greatest favourite with his parents. The merchant was confined to his bed with old age and infirmities; he thought he had not long to live, and he therefore called his wife and sons to his

• Signifying, Elegance.

190 bedside, and told them that he could not long remain their friend and protector, but was about to pay the last debt of nature,—that he was thankful to God for prolonging his days so far, and for the happiness that had been vouchsafed to him. ‘But,’ said he, ‘I must now leave you and attend the call of the Supreme lawgiver. Be careful to follow my example, and bow with submission to the will of God, who orders everything for the good of his creatures. Remem- ber also that it is the lot of every man to die once.’ Then, addressing himself to his favorite child, he said, ‘My beloved Charoo, you are still unsettled in life. You are young, and do not yet know the world.. Be guided therefore by your elder brothers, who will instruct you in all that is necessary for your happiness. Be of good cheer, and do not take my departure from amongst you to heart. Be wise, and continue to live together in peace and harmony. Be virtuous, and you will meet with your reward hereafter.’ Shortly afterwards, the old man died, and his sons became the sole heirs to his immense property. They conducted themselves in such a manner as to deserve the applause of all good men, as well as of their neighbours and relatives. Young Charoo, however, had, unknown to all, become a confirmed gamester, which was not found out until it was too late to snatch him from the yawning chasm into which he was fast rushing: the habit had taken too deep-rooted a hold on him. In addition to his gaming propensities he was daily squandering away his share of the fortune in extravagant and riotous living. The two elder brothers tried to check the growing evil, and begged him repeatedly to reform his conduct, so detrimental to his prospects in life, and injurious alike to his character and fortune. They said that he who led a life of debauchery and excesses deserved to be treated in a severe manner, and be at last reduced to extreme poverty and want. Notwithstanding their continued entreaties and corrective advice, they regretted exceedingly to find that it was all of no more avail than was the good example set by themselves.

191 Charoo continued his evil courses, without any attempt at reformation. “One day he went as usual with his companions to engage in play, and he lost a large sum of money. Not satisfied with this, he borrowed a thousand rupees from an acquaintance, which he also lost in the same way. When their gambling was concluded the lender demanded instant payment of his money. Charoo had no alternative but to endeavour to comply, so he requested his creditor to accom- pany him to his brothers, whom he desired to liquidate the debt for him. Instead of doing so, however, one of his brothers became so enraged and choleric that he refused at once, and, in addition, began to revile Charoo. ‘Foolish man!’ said he, ‘you have already dissipated your share of our father’s legacy. You are now approaching manhood, and yet make no effort to wean yourself of your evil practices, or to get rid of your swindling associates. You are a disgrace to all who are in any way connected with you! Get thee hence! —quit this house instantly, and find a dwelling where best you can!’ These words so mortified the misguided Charoo, that he immediately resolved on leaving the paternal roof. Before he put his final determination into effect, however, he applied to his other brother for the pecuniary assistance he required, but he met with no better reception than before. He then resolved upon endeavouring to borrow the money, and went for that purpose to each and all of his professed friends, but he found that they either would not or could not lend him a single coin. He was thus placed in a great dilemma; but at length, on his using great persuasion and entreaty, his creditor consented to wait until the morrow, when Charoo promised to procure the amount for him by some means or other. Having obtained this respite, he proceeded home in a thoughtful mood, and very much crestfallen at having lost the reputation and position he once held among those given to his mode of living. He found his wife waiting for him, and no sooner did she see him than she divined from his countenance that he had met

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with some heavy loss; she did not therefore venture to question him. Charoo bathed himself and worshipped the household deity, after which he partook of his supper and went to bed. His wife then ventured to ask him the cause of his great uneasiness, which, she said, altogether changed the expression of his features, and rendered him unusually dull and melancholy. Charoo could not withstand the affection which prompted the enquiry, so he revealed every- thing. ‘This morning,’ said he, ‘I lost a great deal of money in gambling, and when I had nothing left I borrowed a thousand rupees from an acquaintance, which soon went the same way as the rest. The creditor made a demand for instant payment, and, not having any money of my own left, I took him to my brothers, and begged of them in turn to pay it for me. They had not only the cruelty to refuse me, but heaped terms of opprobrium and abuse on my head; and, to add to the indignity, they told me never more to set foot within the family mansion. Hereupon I applied for assistance to those who called themselves my best and most intimate friends, towards whom I had on all occasions been most liberal and true, but I fared no better. I am sensible now of the value of money. My brothers would never have treated me in the manner they did had I still possessed my wealth, or even a portion of it; nor would my friends, as they called themselves, have disregarded my application to them. I am certainly to blame for my folly in squandering away my inheritance. I might have been trusted to any extent had I not proved so fickle and weak- minded. I now repent of my past conduct, and will try to atone for it in future. My present difficulty is how to meet the debt I have to-day incurred. The man will assuredly be here to-morrow, and I have no means of paying him. What shall I do? Whither can I look for assistance?’ Charoo's wife was a model of beauty and virtue, and could not but feel deeply for her husband's misfortune. In her affection she said to him, ‘I pray you not to give the matter another thought, but take the trinkets I now wear,

193 which you know are yours, and dispose of them to satisfy your ruthless creditor.’ Charoo affectionately embraced her, and thanked her from the bottom of his heart for the sacrifice she had made. They then composed themselves to sleep with some degree of calmness. “Next morning, Charoo sent for the creditor, and when he came he made over to him valuables sufficient to cover the debt, and took from him an acquittance. Charoo was naturally of a liberal turn of mind, so after he had trans- ferred to him such jewels as he knew would be sufficient, he asked the creditor whether he had received enough. ‘Let me know,’ said he, ‘whether they are sufficient or not. I will give you more if you wish it and will consent to follow me, as I am about to travel into foreign parts.’ The creditor was aware that what he had already received would more than liquidate his claim, but being of a grasping nature, and without a grain of conscience, he said he would follow Charoo. On leaving home, Charoo said to his wife, ‘Dear wife, I am indeed sorry to leave you alone, but necessity compels me to it. It is no longer possible for me to live here after what has occurred. I must try to regain my lost property. I am about to enter into foreign trade, as well as to gain by travel some knowledge of the world. During my absence I trust you will spend your time between your domestic concerns and thoughts of me, and conduct yourself in a peaceable and respectable manuer in the bosom of my family.’ His wife was bathed in tears at this sudden resolution of her husband : she begged him never to forget her in the midst of the acquisitions which she felt sure he was fated to make, and wished him every possible happi- ness. With many expressions of mutual sympathy and good feeling they parted from each other. “Charoo set out on his journey, accompanied by his creditor, and in a few days arrived at the city of Kanchun- poory. He there learned the condition attached to the acquisition of the Princess Chitrangee’s hand in marriage, and he was determined to make the venture. The prospect z