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

214 their separation again. ‘Did I not,’ said she in conclusion, ‘forbid you to beat the drum?’ Notwithstanding all she said, Charoo obstinately determined to go with her, and asked her to transform him into a fly, and to take him on her bosom. She could not refuse to do this, and in this manner they went to the Amravutty. When they arrived there, Chitrangee found that Indra’s court was full of angels and other spiritual beings. She proceeded to pay her homage to Indra in the usual form, and then took her allotted place among the others. The angels were much disconcerted at the sight of Chitrangee’s beauty, for in that respect she far excelled them all. Indra bade her be seated, and then with much attention and solicitude enquired after her health and condition. She replied that ‘she was very happy, through his generosity and liberality. After a few more questions, which were appropriately replied to, he desired her to sing. She bowed her head in token of obedience, and then commenced singing, with such eloquent pathos and sweetness as to ravish the ears of all present. Indra himself was completely under Chitrangee’s influence, so great an effect did her song produce on him. She continued singing in the same admirable strain till near the conclusion, when all at once her voice unfortunately failed her, and all the effect she had before produced was lost in the ridicule created by this mishap. Indra became highly incensed at this, and passionately exclaimed, ‘O thou wicked woman! unworthy of the honor I have deigned to bestow on you!—go hence, and be transformed into a black moun- tain of sixty yojuns in length, in the province of Marwar.’ He had scarcely ended these words, when poor Chitrangee fell into a swoon, on recovering from which she addressed Indra, with trembling and fear, in the most moving terms. ‘Oh, my gracious lord!’ said she, ‘do not, I entreat you, punish me so rigorously for the offence I have unwittingly committed! Be merciful, and I promise never more to be guilty of the like! I repent of it, and will be more careful for the future.’ Indra was moved by her strong appeal,

215 and considering that she had but just returned from under- going his former sentence of punishment, said, ‘Fear not!— you will soon be relieved; for if the mountain be broken to pieces, you will be restored to your enjoyments, and once more admitted into my palace.’ Again bowing her head, she returned to her abode in deep concern, as she could not, she knew, expect any further mitigation than had been already vouchsafed her. The first thing she did on her return home was to restore Charoo to his former shape, and inform him of the decree that had been passed against her by Indra. Charoo regretted exceedingly the folly he had been guilty of, in beating the drum, which had resulted in such woeful consequences. However, he told her not to be disheartened, but to place her reliance on God, who is both powerful and merciful, and would most assuredly save her from the impending evil. ‘I will also,’ continued he, ‘strive my utmost to be of service to you.’ After this dialogue they sat down to eat, but they could not swallow their food, for their hearts were heavy. The whole of the day was spent in vain regrets and sad reflections. At night they retired to bed as usual, but as soon as Chitrangee fell asleep she became inanimate, and at that very instant the black mountain was to be seen in the province of Marwar, as Indra had willed. Moreover, the whole population of Chitrangee’s dominions were once more thrown into the state in which Charoo found them when he visited that place on the first occasion,—motionless, though with the full use of their senses. Charoo, as a human being, was the only one who had not fallen under this general visitation of Indra’s ire. He arose early next morning, and surveyed the town and all in it with wondering eyes and a failing heart. He thought it would be impossible for him to remain there any longer, without a single living creature with whom he could converse, so he repaired to the place to which the bird had directed him if he wanted any aid. He had not been there long when he saw the bird coming in that direction, loaded with the celestial fruits. Charoo

216 saluted the bird, and when asked whether it was his inten- tion to return, he replied in the affirmative. The bird desired him to sit on his back as before, and in the shortest possible time he was once more transported to the abode of the royal geese, who received him with a hearty welcome, and regaled him in the best possible manner. He spent that night in their company, and the next morning, after returning suitable thanks to them, he set forward on his journey. “In a few days he arrived at the city of Badrikadar, and hastened to the hermit’s cell, who had ever some advice in store for the unfortunate Charoo. He related all that had occurred to him since his last visit, after which the hermit told him that there was a certain king in Marwar whose dominions were very extensive. ‘The black mountain into which Chitrangee has been transformed must be in his territory,’ said he; ‘go therefore to his court, in the guise of a Mahaunt,* and tell him that a new black mountain has just sprung up in his kingdom, which will daily increase, and in time not only cover his whole realm, but will also kill all the inhabitants, without a single exception. This will throw him into great consternation, and I have no doubt he will ask your advice as to what steps he ought to adopt to prevent the evil; you can then tell him he must employ a large number of masons and stonecutters to hew it down.’ Thanking the hermit for this piece of friendly advice, Charoo set out for Marwar. “When he arrived he saw the mountain situated there: it was of a jet black colour. He crossed about sixteen yojuns to the southward, and entered the king’s court, where he was very kindly received. When the counterfeit Mahaunt had represented fully the mischief that would accrue by the increase of the black mountain, the king exhibited much astonishment and fear. After in vain trying to devise in his own mind some means to avert the danger, he asked the

• A devotee.

Mahaunt's advice, who answered thus:—' Is there not a minister or an astrologer at your majesty's court, who can by his judgment and wisdom suggest some plan? If there be none such, my advice would be that you employ immediately a large number of stonecutters and labourers to hew down the mountain, and thus save your kingdom from the utter ruin with which it is threatened. Be not apprehensive, but act as I have now suggested.' The king asked the minister why he had not mentioned to him the sudden appearance of the mountain, and appeared much enraged. The minister begged his majesty's pardon, and without any loss of time employed a great many stonecutters and others to demolish the black mountain. Next day the king set off to see it, accompanied by the Mahaunt, the minister, and some other officials, and was much astonished at its size and peculiar colour. The labourers were all very busy, cutting it away piecemeal; and there seemed a fair chance of its being speedily removed altogether, to judge from the great number of men employed. The Măhaunt was very liberally enter- tained for some time by the king and his courtiers, as a benefactor who had by his timely notice and advice saved their country from ruin. At length he asked for permission to depart, which gave the king much concern, as he would fain have retained him in the palace. With this view the king said he would confer on him the honors and emoluments of his minister, to which the Mahaunt replied, 'I have no incli- nation whatever to remain, however exalted the position you may allot to me. I was on my way to Swethbund Ramesh- wer on a pilgrimage, when I saw the great evil which was impending over your kingdom; I therefore turned from my way to acquaint you with it. It is the duty of every man to act thus when it lies in his power.' The king and his courtiers conceived a great regard and veneration for this Mahaunt, and they pressed him very much to accept diffe- rent costly presents, all of which, however, he firmly declined. The king then thanked him in the most grateful manner, and said he had been instrumental, under Providence, in cc

218 saving the lives and properties of all his subjects, by which he had placed each and all of them under the greatest of obligations to him. A large retinue was ordered to attend him on his departure, the king himself following him out of the city, where, after having once more renewed his acknow- ledgments, they parted, with many kind expressions of sympathy and regard. "As soon as the black mountain had been demolished, and the place where it had stood made into a level plain, Chitrangee arose from her couch, on which she had lain inanimate since the night after her return from Indra's palace; and at the same time the whole capital once more recovered from its death-like state. Chitrangee rejoiced that her punishment had been but of short duration, and she eagerly looked forward to the arrival of her beloved Charoo. The latter, as may be supposed, made all possible haste to reach Badrikadar, and on his arrival there he informed the hermit of his success. He remained with him for a few days, being greatly worn out by his journey, after which, having recruited his strength, he proceeded to the Himon- chul mountain, where he again met with the royal birds, who were glad to see him. Next day he was conveyed to Chitrakoot, as he desired, and after thanking the friendly bird who had transported him on his back, he entered the town, at the improved aspect of which he was once more delighted, as well as with the happy condition in which he found all the inhabitants. Chitrangee, who was hourly expecting Charoo, perceived him at a distance, and she ran and embraced him with great joy and affection. After a short repose, he acquainted her with his adventure, and by what means he had obtained her release. Chitrangee renewed her fond and endearing caresses, and praised him for his tact and ability." The Princess Pudmavuntty here interrupted the Rajhouse, and observed how wonderful it was that a goose—a bird of such small dimensions and physical powers—could rise into

219 the air with Charoo on her back, and convey him such a distance. "Do not be surprised at that, my good and gracious lady," replied the Rajhouse; "I am glad to observe your spirit of enquiry, and I will satisfy you that the Sarjah rides on the goose, the Kartick Swamy on the peacock, and Vishnoo on the Garood.* These birds ascend with their riders on their backs, with such speed and velocity that in a very short time they traverse great distances. Permit me to relate to your highness an unheard-of story on the subject. THE STORY OF THE ANGEL, OR SOVEREIGN RULER OF THE SEA, AND THE TWO BIRDS CALLED TITVI.† "There lived at one time a pair of birds called Titvi, who inhabited a certain locality on the sea-shore, where they were spending their days in peace and plenty. One day the birds went out, leaving their nest unprotected, and in it some eggs on which the female bird was at that time sitting. A malicious frog, who had conceived a hatred against them, availed himself of their absence to steal the eggs, out of mere spite, and took them away to his abode, in a hole under a rock by the sea-shore. When the birds returned to their nest, they were much grieved to find their eggs missing, and they became very disconsolate. Looking about them, they saw the print of the frog's feet on the sand, and from this they were convinced that he was the thief. Having made this discovery, the female bird said to her companion, 'We have been deprived of our eggs by a mean despicable frog who lives near us : shall we not go to the angel who is the sovereign ruler of the sea, and complain to him of the injury that has been done us?' 'Certainly!' replied the male bird. So they applied to the angel, in a most humble and supplicatory manner, for the restoration of their eggs, but he gave little heed to their represen-

• The bird and vehicle of Vishnoo. He is generally represented as the king of the birds. † A bird, Parra Jacana, or Goensis.

220 tations. The poor birds were very much dissatisfied with the manner in which the angel treated their complaint, and they returned to their dwelling more disconsolate than ever. While sitting brooding over their ill-fortune, they hit upon the following expedient, by way of retaliation on the angel ruler: 'Let us,' said they, 'dry up the water from the sea, so that the subjects of the angel may suffer thirst for his having refused to attend to our just prayers.' Having resolved upon this, they set about it in right good earnest, and with their little beaks, drop after drop, they commenced emptying the ocean. They had not been long employed in this manner when Narud Moonee* happened to pass by, to whom they represented their grievances. Moonee assured the birds that he would procure them every satisfaction, and said, 'Do not disturb yourselves, but be easy in your minds. Depend on me: I will endeavour to have your eggs safely restored to you.' This assurance delighted the birds, and they continued their task with great energy. The Moonee, after being made fully acquainted with the grievances of the Titvis, bent his steps towards the residence of the chief of the birds. When he arrived there he began by stating that the angel ruler of the sea was so haughty and proud that he scrupled not to allow the greatest indignities to be offered to the noble family of birds; he then entered into an explanation of the cause which led him thither—namely, the grievous wrong sustained by the Titvis. He also made the following observations:—'It would be a glorious action on your part to out-brave a power you can no longer revere. Now, let me see how you will resent the insult offered to your race by the angel ruler of the sea. For a frog, the meanest of the mean, to have perpetrated this outrage on any of your subjects, detracts much from your honor.' The Garood, as tenacious of his rights over his subjects as he was revengeful by nature, set out with

• The son of Brahma, and one of the ten original Mooni or Rishee. He delighted in exciting quarrels.

221 the Moonee, accompanied by the chiefs of the birds and their families, to the sea-shore, where they found both the Titvis engaged in the difficult exploit of drying up the sea. They all fell to, and simultaneously commenced to aid the efforts of the outraged birds: They also forcibly and - unsparingly seized with their sharp talons the largest fishes of the deep, and thus spread death and ruin around. The angel, perceiving the immense loss of his subjects, and the innumerable host opposed to him, was so intimidated that he approached the Garood in the most abject terror, and requested a truce, which was granted after an ample apology had been tendered to the Titvis, and their eggs restored to them uninjured. “This example,” continued the Rajhouse, “serves to show that birds are not to be despised as a weak race. They are endowed by nature with the power of traversing the wide expanse of air, and they are capable of achieving great ends, even that of resenting any wanton or cruel injury inflicted on them.” To the Rajhouse, Charoo on the back of the goose seemed but as a pebble set on a mountain.

222 CHAPTER XV. Veytal concludes his story and disappears—King Vickramadetea cele- brates the marriage of Prince Duutsain with the Princess Pudma- vautty, after which he departs from their palace with the brahmin Somedut, who is still in the form of a parrot. “THREE months of uninterrupted happiness, and the enjoyment of every kind of pleasure, were experienced by Charoo and his beloved spouse on the Chitrakoot mountain. At the end of that time, being one day on the uppermost story of their palace, viewing the surrounding scenery and the vast extent of the city, Charoo was struck with the sight of the celestial birds and trees which surrounded the palace. At the same time, happening to look towards the bherry, which stood close beside him, he felt a strong inclination to play on it again. He addressed his wife, and asked her to join him in doing so, but she refused, well knowing the consequences that would result therefrom. She remained silently watching him, not deigning to give him any further answer. Charoo took up the two sticks that were attached to the bherry, and commenced sounding it. While engaged in this amusement, the sound reached Amravutty, and was heard by Indra, who immediately felt an inclination to hear the melodious singing of the lovely Chitrangee, so he ordered his attendants to summon her to his presence. One of the attendants accordingly set out to convey the order to Chi- trangee, and having arrived at her palace and communicated his royal master’s wishes, he requested her to lose no time in obeying them. She immediately went into her apartment, gorgeously dressed and bedecked herself, and was about to set off with the messenger, but before leaving her palace she addressed Charoo as follows:—‘ I pray you, dear Charoo, to remain here until I return from the court of

223 Indra, to whose palace I have the honor of being invited.’ The manner in which she addressed Charoo was at first somewhat distant, but her regard and affection for him overcame every other feeling, and she informed him that she would use her utmost endeavours to please Indra by playing the most charming and pleasant airs she knew, that they might captivate the monarch and ensure for her a safe and speedy return; but if, on the contrary, Indra should be displeased with her, she must only submit patiently to whatever he might think fit to inflict upon her. Charoo, on hearing this, was greatly alarmed, and would on no account be left behind: he insisted on going with her, and she was at last prevailed upon to agree to it. She there- fore transformed him into a Bhrumer,* thereby enabling him to accompany her without being noticed. They accordingly entered the palace of Indra together, and found the monarch seated in the subha, surrounded by innumer- able angels. On approaching him, Chitrangee prostrated herself, and then stood apart, with her eyes cast on the ground. Indra commanded her to be seated, and having enquired about her health, made known to her the reason why she had been sent for, which was that he might hear her sing and see her perform before him. She bowed low, and proceeded to gratify him, by commencing to sing in such a bewitching tone of voice as to charm Indra and the whole court. In addition to this, she intermingled extem- pore passages in her song, descriptive of the virtue and amiable qualities of Indra, which secured his approbation, as much by her words as by the sweetness of her voice and the graceful movements of her delicate and lovely form. The angels, likewise, who surrounded the person of Indra, seemed to enjoy the scene exceedingly: they were lost in admiration of the sylph-like movements and musical tones of Chitrangee,—so much so, that they looked like so many marble statues, so steadfastly and silently did they gaze on

• A large black bee.

224

her. Her singing elicited the highest applause, and afforded the greatest enjoyment to Jupiter, Mars, and Venus. "The first song was followed by others not less accep- table, both from the sentiments they expressed, the feeling which they evinced, and the sweet voice in which they were sung. She produced a great sensation on the present occasion, and much emotion in the breasts of all there assembled, until at last she committed an error in omitting one verse of the last song, which was immediately detected by Indra. The angels also murmured at the omission. Indra was enraged at this, and expressed his anger as follows :—'Oh thou wretched and negligent woman, who vainly attemptest to please !—it were far better that thou wert a rock in the midst of the ocean than that thou shouldst again present thyself before me!' He had scarcely delivered himself of this awful judgment than Chitrangee fell into a swoon, and dropped heavily to the ground. After a time she came to herself, when the recollection of what she had heard from the lips of Indra rushed into her mind with all its horror. She knelt before him, and in a most lamentable tone cried, 'Oh, most mighty monarch! ruler of the heavens !—thy power extends to the utmost limits of these celestial realms, and before thee every crowned head bows in obedience! Be pleased to extend thy mercy and clemency to thine unfortunate servant! Pardon her fault, and relieve her from the dread- ful sufferings to which thou hast doomed her! Even the wife of Gowtum Rishee, who was doomed by her husband to remain within a rock for a period of sixty thousand years, had her sentence revoked, and was again received into favor. Deign, then, to extend to me thy mercy! Thou hast from my infancy retained me in thy especial service, and hast conferred on me the sovereignty of Chitrakoot : thou surely wilt not now condemn me to the torments I must suffer in the fathomless depths of the sea! Permit me, great sovereign, to continue in the enjoyment of thy bounty!' "Chitrangee's prayers and entreaties had no effect

225 whatever on Indra, as he did not appear in the least moved by her distress : she therefore sought other means for appeasing his anger. She approached Jupiter, who was seated close by, and addressed him in a very earnest manner. 'Oh, Gooru!' said she, 'high and noble being! —who receives the adoration of both men and angels, for your occult knowledge and deep wisdom!—I pray you graciously to use your influence and interest with the mighty Indra, to obtain for me a reversal of the sentence which has been passed upon me!' Jupiter was touched by her passionate appeal, and addressed Indra with much eloquent energy. He gained his point so far as to obtain a great mitigation of the sentence; for Indra, turning to Chitrangee, said, 'Oh, thou bewitching woman!—be of good cheer! Thou shalt regain thy present form and enjoyments when the rays of the sun shall fall upon thee!' This in a great measure dispelled Chitrangee's grief, and she thanked Indra sincerely, sighing deeply, however, to find that the pleading of Jupiter on her behalf had not proved more effectual. Indra heard the sigh, and questioned her about it. 'Why art thou so dejected?' said he. Chi- trangee replied, 'O gracious monarch!—I cannot but fear that, according to thy decision, I shall be immersed under water, and I am unable to conceive how the sun is to shine on me there. I therefore stand but a poor chance of being released from the sea if I am once placed there.' 'Be easy in thy mind,' replied Indra; 'the person who has always aided thee will endeavour to help thee on this occasion also.' Chitrangee was somewhat consoled at these words, as she placed the most implicit reliance on what Indra said: Shortly afterwards she took her leave, prostrating herself once more before him, and proceeded to her dwelling. “ Chitrangee returned to Chitrakoot, and again changed Charoo into his original shape; she also told him, with much indignation, what had occurred at Indra's court, and the punishment she had to undergo in consequence. She felt very keenly the indignity that had been offered to her, DD

226 and regretted, equally with Charoo, their approaching separation. ‘My beloved Charoo,’ said she, ‘I do not know how long I shall remain entombed in the ocean, nor how I am to be released from that position. Indra has, however, pledged his royal word that I shall not have to remain long there, but I cannot banish my doubts.’ Charoo was deeply affected at the excessive grief of Chitrangee, and he tried to soothe her by citing several moral examples and arguments. ‘My dearest love,’ said he, ‘do not give yourself up to grief. Consider the infinite power of God, who can do all things, and can devise means of relief when none are apparent to us, blind mortals as we are. Resign yourself, therefore, to Him; be hopeful and patient, and He will, in his own good time, bring about the completion of all we can desire. It is to Him alone that we should address ourselves in our misfortune.’ Charoo thus contrived to restore Chitrangee’s mind to some degree of tranquillity, and they then sat down together and partook of their usual repast. The whole of that day was spent by Chitrangee in bewailing her hard lot, and by Charoo in consoling her by trying to impart to her courage and patience; he also assured her that he would not rest a moment until she was emancipated from her dreadful condition. After supper they retired for the night as usual. Chitrangee, troubled and uneasy in her mind, thought of nothing but her coming fate, but at length she fell asleep, and, as before, remained inanimate. Charoo was very sanguine in the belief that he should succeed in devising means to regain his beloved and affectionate wife, though there were times when his heart wholly failed him as he contemplated the awful condition to which she was now reduced. He felt that he could not of himself be of any service to her,—it was from others that he must look for aid, and even that was an uncertainty, at the best; however, he offered up a long and earnest prayer for help and guidance to the Supreme Ruler of the universe. He slept not a wink that night, so great was his anxiety, and at dawn, when he rose, he found the city and all in it,

227 excepting himself, in the same paralysed condition as on the two former occasions. He suffered much self-reproach as he reflected that all these misfortunes were owing to his inconsiderate conduct in playing upon the bherry, but he also remembered that what was done could not be undone, —his only course now was to set about remedying the evil as much as lay in his power. He accordingly left the palace, taking with him five valuable jewels, and proceeded to where he was accustomed to meet his friend the royal bird. At the usual hour of noon it made its appearance, and after saluting each other, they sat down and dis- coursed together for some time. Charoo felt abashed at being so often compelled to seek the assistance of the oblig- ing geese; his friend, however, guessed what was in his mind, and asked him, when their conversation was ended, whether he desired to be taken back,—if so, he had only to say the word and it would be done. Charoo felt very grate- ful, and at once accepted the offer, at the same time apologising earnestly for the trouble he was giving them. ‘ My good friend,’ said the bird, ‘ there is not the least inconvenience or annoyance involved in the task : we are ready and willing at all times to be of service to man, and we feel a great pleasure in such acts; the obligation may be said to be conferred on us by those who afford us such opportunities of evincing our charity and good feeling. Do not, therefore, scruple to command us, whenever you stand in need of assistance. Make haste, then, and place yourself on my back: I will speedily transport you to our abode.’ Charoo did as he was bid, and the bird took his flight through the air with such incredible swiftness that he alighted with his burden at their destination almost instantly. “Charoo found himself once more in the company of the royal birds, who showed him every kindness and hospitality, as was their wont. They enquired after his health in the most affectionate manner, and then set before him a choice selection of celestial food. Charoo spent that day with the hospitable birds, and on the following morning continued

228

his journey. He travelled direct to the residence of his friend the Rishee,* and, after prostrating himself at his feet, disclosed to him the sad fate of Chitrangee, and how he was conjured by her to labour for her release. The Rishee paid great attention to what Charoo said, and after a short silence, during which he was communing with himself, he told him that he should go to Shree Ram- ashwer, and there entertain some brahmins and devotees on the most costly viands, taking care to secure the presence of men well acquainted with the Shastras† ; that he should also throw a large quantity of dainty food into the sea daily, in the name of God, because there existed a certain class of fish in the sea who enjoyed especially the favor of heaven, whereby they were enabled to assume at times the form of human beings. ‘I am confident,’ continued he, ‘that by this devout practice you will win the regard of those fishes, who will in the end help you to carry out your design. They, seeing your daily care in providing for them, will naturally enough endeavour to repay your kindness. They will appear in the guise of man, and you will only have to make known your wishes to meet with the desired success. Go, then, and set about it directly. Let me inform you that you cannot do a better action than distribute food to those who are in want of it. It is said, too, that to obtain a high character for virtue it is proper to bestow on the brahmins elephants, horses, cows, lands, gold, jewels, and more especially a daughter, if you are possessed of one ; though these gifts are not to be compared to the bestowal of grain, as recommended in the divine law. I will briefly relate to you an instance of the charity of bestowing grain. There was once a nobleman named Kerna,‡ who was endowed with many good qualities ; he was, however, parti-

* A saint of person of great sanctity. † Sacred laws. ‡ King of Anga, and half brother to the Pandava princes, being the son of their mother Pritha, by the sun, before her marriage to Pandu.

229

cularly distinguished for his generous liberality, which in an especial manner secured him the esteem of all. He took a great delight in relieving the poor and needy, and many a family was indebted to him for their support and mainte- nance. No one who ever applied to him went back empty- handed. The greatest men and all the ruling sovereigns commended him for his charity; in short, there was none to be compared to him. On one occasion, this good man was lying on a bed of sickness, without any hope of recovery, having been wounded in a battle with the Kauravas; and every moment expecting that death would put an end to his sufferings. In this state Vishnoo* appeared to him, in the shape of a brahmin, and said, “O thou noble and generous man!—I have heard of thy fame far and wide— that thou art just and liberal to all—and thy praise is in every mouth. Being destitute and in want of even the necessaries of life, I am emboldened to address thee, and trust thou wilt, with thy usual generosity, aid me in my difficulties. Such an act of benevolence will secure for thee undying bliss.” The sick nobleman was much moved by this appeal, but he could not rise from his bed, so severely and dangerously had he been wounded; his understanding was nevertheless perfect. He was very desirous of bestow- ing something on the brahmin, but had nothing at the time within his reach; he remembered, however, that two jewels had at a former period been placed in his teeth, so he said to the brahmin, “My good man, I pray you be kind enough to take a little stone and with it knock out gently the two jewels you will find fastened in my teeth; take them for your use, and depart in peace. I have no doubt that by disposing of them you will be enabled to supply your wants.” The pretended brahmin replied, “I do not like to pluck out the jewels with my own hand; do it thyself, and then present them to me; I shall otherwise go without them.” “I beseech you, good brahmin,” said the noble-

• One of the three principal Hindu gods.

230 man with much earnestness, “stay a moment!” and with- out loss of time he raised himself a little with much difficulty, and, taking a piece of stone, knocked out the jewels from where they had been placed, and held them towards the brahmin, but lo! the god had disappeared! and instead of him was seen Vishnoo, in his natural form, the rays which illuminated his countenance lighting up the whole room, who, with pleasure beaming from his eyes at the disinterestedness of the nobleman, said, “Oh, virtuous and munificent man!—ask for whatever thou wilt, without any reserve, as I am exceedingly pleased with thee for thy liberality and charitable disposition.” “Great and merci- ful being!” cried Kerna, “what pangs of hunger have I not endured! All I ask of thee now is some food, that I may appease the cravings of my stomach.” Vishnoo smiled, and said, “Thou hast been renowned during life for thy liberality in bestowing many things on the poor, but no food hast thou been known to give them: how then canst thou now expect food for thyself? But do not despair, but rely on me;—try and recollect whether thou hast on any occasion pointed with thine own hand to a place where a traveller might find food.” Kerna thanked Vishnoo for reminding him of the circumstance, and said that one day, as he was proceeding to the king’s palace in great haste, he met a travelling mendicant who asked to be directed to some place where he might obtain food and lodging for the night, and that he had pointed with his finger to a place where he doubtless procured both. Vishnoo then said, “Put into thy mouth the very same finger with which thou pointedst out the place, and thou wilt be relieved from hunger.” Kerna instantly did as he was ordered, and a delicate and nourishing juice oozed out of his finger end, which completely satisfied his hunger. He thanked Vishnoo for such a miraculous interposition, and begged hard to be allowed to live a little longer in the world, that he might gratify his desire of supplying food to the poor. Vishnoo approved highly of this desire on the part of Kerna, and

231

told him that he would obtain another life in the person of Shreeyal, after which Vishnoo disappeared.’ The Rishee, having ended this recital, added that the fame of Kerna had not become extinct even to that day. He again recommended Charoo to start immediately for the city of Shree Ramashwer, where he said he would obtain what he desired. Charoo accordingly set out, after partaking of a slight repast, and thanking the hermit most sincerely for his friendly advice. “ Charoo travelled along for many days until he arrived at the holy city, and a long and very tedious journey it proved to be. The first thing he did on his arrival was to perform his ablutions in the sea, and he afterwards visited the temple dedicated to Shree Ramashwer, where he worshipped the idol with much reverence and sincerity. He then formed an establishment in the most eligible locality, engaged men to prepare rich food and confec- tionaries, and invited daily a number of holy and devout brahmins to partake of them ; he likewise distributed a sufficient quantity anong the poor and indigent, and a further quantity was also daily thrown into the sea, in the name of God, for the fishes ; in short, he did all he had been instructed to do by the hermit. He continued this for a whole month, and at length the fishes who were fed daily assembled together in the sea, and resolved to recom- pense their benefactor to the utmost of their power.* They decided that their chief should assume the human form, and present himself before their friend and benefactor. Accordingly, when Charoo came one day, as usual, to the beach to throw the food into the sea, the chief of the fishes came up and asked him how he could serve him, in return for his daily and profuse liberality to them. Charoo, not knowing his interrogator, passed him unnoticed, and after throwing in the food, bent his steps back to his dwelling. The chief, observing this, approached Charoo a second time, and made himself known, adding that if he refused them the satisfaction of showing their gratitude in some way,

232 they would no longer partake of the food. Charoo was alike astonished and delighted to see the chief of the fishes before him in the guise of a man; so he paid him some high compliments and then began to relate the whole of Chitrangee's misfortunes, which he acknowledged had been brought on by his own obstinacy, adding that he fed the fishes with the view of securing their aid to release his wife from her miserable bondage. 'Will you,' said Charoo, 'be good enough to tell me whether you or any of your tribe have found in your rambles a new rock? If so, you will confer a very great favor on me by bringing the rock to the shore, so that its surface may be exposed to the rays of the sun.' The chief of the fishes desired Charoo to wait for a few minutes, telling him that he would hasten back to him after making the necessary enquiries. "The chief, having left Charoo on the sea-shore, proceeded to his friends in the deep, and enquired whether any of them had discovered a new rock in the sea. They having replied in the affirmative, he ordered them all to set about removing the rock to the beach or as near the shore as possible. Having given his orders he returned to Charoo, and acquainted him with the joyful intelligence that his comrades were even then engaged in removing the rock to the shore, and that by to-morrow he might expect to have his wishes realised. Charoo thanked him heartily for his trouble and civility, and added that he fully relied on the promise and assurance given by the chief, who shortly afterwards disappeared. "Before it was quite day, Charoo made his appearance on the beach, bringing an additional quantity of the best description of food for the fishes. He looked towards the sea, but could see nothing of the rock, as it was very foggy; but in a little time he was agreeably surprised to find that 'the fishes had really removed the rock to the shore. In an extacy of delight he raised his hands to heaven, and thanked God for his mercy and the infinitude of his power. As he turned he beheld near him the chief of the fishes, whom he

233 also thanked, as it was to him personally that he was indebted for effecting this great and joyful surprise. He then thought of the hermit, .whose advice he had followed, and in his heart thanked him with truth and sincerity. In a little time the sun rose in all his splendour in the east, and no sooner did his rays fall upon the rock than it gradually began to melt away, till nothing was left. Charoo now threw into the sea the food he had brought with him, on which the chief of the fishes approached him, to whom he expressed in glowing terms his sense of the service which had been rendered him by the fishes. 'I know,' said he, 'that but for the aid I have received I should not have succeeded in this enterprise, and I am therefore under no small obligation to you all.' "The chief of the fishes now produced three rich and invaluable jewels, which he had brought with him from the deep, and presented them to Charoo, but the latter could not be persuaded to accept of them. He said that by God's grace he had many such at his command; and being greatly indebted to him already for the removal of the rock, it would, to say the least, be ungenerous in him to accept presents from one to whom it would be far more becoming in him to make them. The chief smiled, and said, 'What is your idea, then, of the jewels I now offer you? They are very rare, and greatly excel in their quality .any you can by any possibility be possessed of. This jewel,' said he, holding out one of them, 'if worshipped and worthily reverenced, will supply you with several kinds of dainties, and the best descriptions of food, in any quantity. The second will produce in the same manner immense treasure, and the third will, by merely holding it in your hand, transport you to any place to which you may wish to proceed, and that in a very short time.' Charoo, seeing the use of these extraordinary jewels, received them thank- fully and with much pleasure; after which he embraced the chief of the fishes, affectionately took leave of him, and parted from him to return to his released wife. EE