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

133 that had befallen them since they left the palace, and with their present situation, as also with the nature of the oath that had been exchanged between them, and which was the cause of their elopement. King Soomunt immediately set about doing as he was desired, and wrote the letter, in which he dwelt at some length on the sufferings and hard- ships both himself and Malattee had undergone ere they had finally arrived at their present state of happiness, and respectfully, but in very forcible terms, pleaded their youth and the ardour of their love in extenuation of the indiscre- tion they had committed in leaving the palace, at the same time expressing deep regret for the consequent uneasiness and alarm they had caused their respective parents; he also affectionately and earnestly besought their forgiveness, more particularly that of his mother. When Soomunt had finished the letter, and sealed it, he despatched it by a trusty officer, and directed him to use all haste in delivering it to the king his uncle. When the officer arrived at the city, he went directly to the palace, and, having disclosed his mission, he was immediately taken before the king (Malattee’s father). The officer prostrated himself before the monarch in the usual manner, and, after a short speech of deference and respect, presented the letter. The king perused it, and was much pleased with the eloquent and masterly style in which it was written; he immediately sent for his sister, and read it over again to her. In doing so, he paid a just compliment to her son by extolling his qualifications and merit in the highest possible terms. “The receipt of the intelligence contained in Soomunt’s letter naturally enough caused much joy, and to none more so than the widowed Shoodhamutty, whose happiness in learning that her son was living and in the enjoyment of good fortune and power, was indeed indescribable. So great was also the king’s joy, that he ordered the intelligence to be published abroad, lest he should be overpowered with it by locking it up within his own bosom. ‘It would be too much,’ thought he, ‘so I must even share it.’

134 “The king did not omit to distribute sugar in his city, as was usual when any great and joyous event occurred, in order that he might testify his delight. He ordered grand preparations to be made, and his equipage prepared, as he intended paying a visit to his nephew and daughter. Every- thing being ready, the king, with his sister, the royal family, and all the nobles and courtiers, set out on their journey. When their retinue drew near the city of Pooshapamuny, King Soomunt, who had received notice of it, went out to meet them, accompanied by his beloved Malattee and all the chiefs of his court. King Soomunt and the lovely Malattee were richly and magnificently dressed, with tiaras of diamonds encircling their brows, and otherwise decorated in a profuse manner with pearls and precious stones.. King Soomunt rode on an elephant very richly caparisoned, and the handsome Malattee was carried in a palanquin decked out in the most gorgeous manner. They left the city amid the sounding of trumpets and hautboys, and the beating of drums. The meeting took place, and on both sides there was great emotion displayed. Soomunt and Malattee both affectionately embraced their royal parents, and they were in turn met with many expressions of love and esteem, and numberless sincere congratulations. The past was forgotten in the present. They then entered the city, amid the deafening shouts of all the assembled townspeople. “ King Soomunt conducted his uncle and mother to his rich and noble palace, and entertained them with every imaginable care and attention. Next day the marriage ceremony between king Soomunt and the faithful Malattee was solemnised, and great was the rejoicing throughout the whole city. The hearts of the lowly brahmins, as well as those of the more favored children of the clime, were alike gladdened by the rich presents and profuse liberality which characterised the proceedings of the day. King Soomunt was loaded with costly presents from his father-in-law ; and, at the conclusion of all, the royal guests set forward on their return, excepting Queen Shoodhamutty, who remained

135 with her son, having decided on spending her declining years under his protection. “ King Soomunt and his lovely bride lived happily, sur- rounded with wealth and power, and in the enjoyment of contentment and peace, until they were, in the usual course of nature, gathered to their forefathers.” The Shaloonky, having finished her tale, told the Princess Pudmavuntty and the disguised brahmin that that was all she had to say, and immediately took her flight from the chowrung, and disappeared in the wall.

136 CHAPTER IX. Veytal returns, in the shape of a peacock, and commences to relate the history of King Rutnamanee, his son Sewdass, Hurridass the Prime Minister's son, and the Princess Moheeny. WHEN the Shaloonky had departed, a peacock appeared in her place. Vickramadetea, the disguised brahmin, seeing it, and knowing full well that it was the Veytal again, who had assumed that guise, requested the bird to amuse them with a tale. “Oh!” said the peacock, “I am ready to oblige you, but cannot do so unless the princess expresses her willingness to humour you in this respect.” The Princess Pudmavuntty could not contain herself for laughter, in which she indulged for awhile, and then bade the peacock proceed. Before, however, the bird began his tale, he bowed to the brahmin, and begged to be permitted to express a hope that her highness and the company at large would be pleased to hearken attentively to what he was about to relate, as it would prove, he thought, much more entertain- ing and amusing than they perhaps anticipated. Those assembled in the room promised their best attention, and the bird thus began:— “There was once a city called Rutnapoory, where, at one period, reigned a wise and discreet king named Rutna- mance. His kingdom, which was very populous, was at peace with all the neighbouring dominions. Rutnamance had a minister named Vichakshun, and they were both men of virtue, and possessed of many good qualities, which rendered them objects of great love and respect to all who came within the sphere of their influence. Rutnamanee had also a son named Sewdass, who had a favourite official attached to his train, called Hurridass, the son of his father's

minister. “They were both young men of promise and education, and, being almost of the same age and engaged in similar pursuits, they conceived a liking for each other, which soon ripened into friendship. They passed nearly the whole of their time together, and were never happy but in each other's society. The king found that this intimacy interfered with his arrangements for his son's future pros- pects in life, and he was therefore determined at all hazards to put an end to their intercourse if possible. He called Sewdass to him one day, and kindly said, ‘ My son, you have now nearly arrived at the age of discretion, and how is it that you spend so much of your valuable time, which should be more usefully and profitably engaged, in the company of my minister's son, in frivolous undertakings and unprofitable tasks ? You can gain nothing by his conversation, for he is greatly your inferior. You might spend your time in laying up stores of knowledge, in the study of the various branches of science, and in the improve- ment of your mind, by preparing it for the duties you may be called upon to perform at a future period. Turn, then, my son, from the path you are now pursuing into that which must lead you to honour, fame, and renown.’ Thus spoke the good king, but, alas ! how short-lived was the impression of this fatherly admonition on the young prince ! Not that he was totally devoid of feeling and respect for his royal parent, but his strong affection for the minister's son carried all before it, and would not admit of his giving him up altogether. “ The minister one day found the king in a very angry mood, and the latter, conscious of having been observed by the former, said to him, ‘ Vichakshun, you have come at a time when my wrath is greatly kindled. Know you not what my commands were touching the intimacy and friend- ship which exists between Prince Sewdass and your son ? Have I not commanded that it should be discontinued ? I now give you to understand that if you do not exert your influence to put an immediate stop to it, you will incur my S

138 severe displeasure, and I shall be put to the disagreeable necessity of dealing with you and your son in a manner suited to the occasion, so as effectually to prevent the growing intimacy.' The minister was alarmed at the words of the king, and, falling on his knees before his sovereign, begged forgiveness for his son's temerity, and for his own seeming neglect. 'I assure your majesty,' said he, 'that I constantly pursue my son with threats and persuasions in order to prevent his intercourse with the prince, but he pays no attention to my repeated remonstrances. I shall now proceed to extremities, if nothing else can effect it.' He then bowed and retired. "On the minister's return home, he summoned his son before him, and informed him of what the king had said. Hurridass seemed to regret very much that he had given so much offence to his majesty, and faithfully pledged his word never more to seek the prince. The next morning Hurridass received a message, as usual, from the prince, requesting him to attend upon him as speedily as possible, but Hurri- dass wrote back to the prince that he could not, after what had passed between the king and his father, again hazard an interview with him, as it would inevitably call down the ire as well of his father as of the king. He entered into a minute detail of all that had occurred, and of the subsequent injunctions which had been laid upon him, and concluded by begging the prince most earnestly to dispense with his company until the king should become more favorable to their intimacy. This reply caused the affectionate prince much pain and uneasiness. He never could have believed of his friend that he would consent to remain away from him on such a slight pretext, without even venturing to see him. He could but ill disguise the dissatisfaction he felt at his father's proceeding, and he resolved upon sending for his friend again, notwithstanding the king's prohibition. He accordingly sent another messenger, requesting Hurri- dass to come, if it were only to afford an opportunity for fuller explanation of the circumstances mentioned in his

139 note. The minister’s son, however, was resolved upon not disobliging his father and the king. He refused, saying that he could not visit the prince after what had happened, nor would he on any account disobey the orders he had received. He desired the messenger to acquaint the prince with this determination on his part. Prince Sewdass was lost in amazement and grief, being ignorant of the best means to adopt in such a predicament. At last he resolved on calling upon Hurridass in person, and no sooner was this resolution formed than he hastened to put it into execution. He burst into Hurridass’ room, and, half-choked with grief, in a tone of supplication conjured him, by all that was sacred in friendship, to acquaint him with the cause of so sudden a change in his demeanour towards him. ‘If,’ said the prince, ‘it is on account of what my father has said, how foolish it is on your part to attach such weight and importance to his words! True enough, he has said that our intimacy must cease, but it was in a fit of passion; he surely could not have really meant it. I am sure he did not intend to separate us thus for ever. Dispel such scrupulosities, my dear Hurridass, and once more return to the arms of your friend—your brother.’ ‘Prince,’ replied Hurridass, after having allowed his friend to give vent to his emotions, which could not but be flattering to him, as they supplied an additional proof, if one were wanted, of the sincerity and disinterestedness of the prince’s friendship, ‘Prince, the king your father has so willed it, and has repeatedly told my father so, there can therefore be no mis- take. I cannot disobey my father’s commands on any account, much as my heart is with you. Be generous, prince, and excuse me. I have sworn never again to be seen in your company unless your father (he alone can do it) absolves me from my oath by rescinding his orders. Besides, were I to act in opposition to the direct and oft-repeated injunctions of the king, it would only lead to the ruin, not alone of myself, but of my own parent, and would also, I fear, bring disgrace and opprobrium on you.

140 I regret the circumstances as much as you by any possibi- lity can do, but what alternative have we? I trust, however, that you will, by the blessing of God, succeed in all your undertakings, and become prosperous, but it must be with- out me. I am not permitted to share in it. I beg, there- fore, that you will not prolong the pain this interview brings with it, but leave me to brood over my misfortune, which is in itself sufficient, and almost more than I can bear, without witnessing your distress. Leave me, prince, I beseech you!' 'What means all this, Hurridass?' asked the prince; 'can it be that you have, without a struggle, at once resolved upon shutting me out from your heart? The difficulties that now surround us cannot but give way before our united efforts. Oh, recal then those cruel and unfeeling words of yours! Say that you will still be my friend,—that we shall again meet, though it may be at a distant time, more distant, perhaps, than my heart can be reconciled to, but let me still be sustained with the hope that the friendship—the brotherly love and affection—which I have lavished on you are not unrequited, and I will be content—at least I will strive to be so. But do not—oh, — do not doom me to despair, by extinguishing the last faint gleam of hope!' 'Ah, prince! why do you thus distress yourself and me by struggling against fate? Destiny over- rules all our inclinations, all our wishes, and, alas! all our hopes and aspirations! What I have said is not said of my own accord, but with the severest pang that my heart ever experienced. I say it because I know and am convinced that it must be so. Adieu, prince! may you soon regain your usual composure.' 'This day, then, shall be my last!' cried the prince with great vehemence, as Hurridass attempted to cut short the interview by withdrawing himself; 'and why delay when an opportunity is thus presented?' continued he distractedly, as, eyeing a sabre hanging on the wall, he rushed up to it, seized it in a determined manner, and attempted to bury the blade in his bosom. Hurridass, nimbly stepping up,

141 fortunately succeeded in arresting his uplifted arm. ‘What deed of wickedness are you about to perpetrate?’ demanded he; ‘do you wish to hurry yourself into eternity with all your misdeeds and imperfections on your head? Is this the morality and wisdom which you have learnt from our holy religion? Do you not fear God? Desist, I pray you desist!’ ‘I fear God, and none else,’ replied the now desperate prince; ‘but as life has no longer any charms for me, what is left me but to die?’ Hurridass replied, ‘Do not rush headlong to destruction. Bide your time. He who lives in the fear of God, and places his dependence on Him, may rest in peace; no real evil can befal him. What may appear as trials to the short-sighted vision of man, are but blessings in disguise. Losses, disappoint- ments, bereavements, and pains, ought each and all to be looked upon as corrections and admonitions dealt out by a fatherly hand, and therefore blessings. Let a man but have patience, and put his faith in the Almighty, and he will surmount all the difficulties that may present themselves to him. You must be aware of all this, my dear prince, and yet you are so rash and intemperate as to attempt to lay violent hands on yourself, and thus to sacrifice a life so precious as yours is to all—to me in particular! Alas! your rashness makes me relent: I cannot, considering the resolve that has now taken possession of your mind,—of putting an end to your existence if we do not continue our friendship,—hesitate a moment to do as you wish, though at a great and imminent personal hazard to myself. ‘What!’ exclaimed the wretched prince, ‘do you hold out hopes for me?’ ‘I was going to say,’ continued Hurri- dass, ‘that I consider I should be endangering your life were I to refuse compliance with your wishes; I must therefore even swerve from my determination’—‘And consent!’ cried the prince. ‘You have said it,’ replied Hurridass; ‘I must resolve on leaving my parents and home on your account. Let us not be rash, however, but give the subject a few hours’ consideration.’ ‘Tush!’ cried the

142 prince; 'no more evasion! You have consented to my proposals; and only on one condition do I return the sword to its place—that you do not go back from your word.' They then affectionately embraced each other, and mingled their tears, after which, lest they should be seen together by the minister, they retired to a secluded place for the purpose of deliberating on their future movements. After a few minutes spent in conversation, Hurridass said, 'Will you, my dear prince, allow me to make the first pro- position? I feel convinced that it will meet your approval.' 'I shall, I am sure, have no voice apart from yours,' replied the prince; 'pray go on.' 'It is expedient,' continued Hurridass, 'that we forthwith leave this city, the scene of our happy childhood, and travel to some other clime more congenial to our present condition and circumstances, where we may uninterruptedly enjoy each other's society in peace and contentment, and thus ensure for ourselves that serenity of mind which is necessary for the devoting ourselves to the various branches of art and science. There, too, when not otherwise engaged, we can indulge ourselves in works of charity and benevolence—visit the saints, and — give alms to the poor; and there we may, if God so wills it, die together, and let our dust be mingled within the small compass of one and the same grave. To remain here and continue our intimacy would be to bring ruin on our- selves: our fathers will most assuredly discard us, and perhaps do us some greater injury. What say you, my dear prince?' 'Be it so,' replied Sewdass; 'your counsel is good, and you have displayed your usual soundness of judgment in it. I also perceive, more than ever, the goodness of your heart and the sincerity of your kind regard for me.' Having thus determined on leaving the city together, they retired to make the necessary preparations, promising to meet the next day at a certain time and place which had been agreed upon between them. They hastily provided them- selves with some money and other necessaries essential for the journey, and at the appointed hour the youths met at

143 the rendezvous, whence, after a cordial greeting, they set forth, without making any one a party to their design. “On the day of their departure, the king arose at his usual hour, and, having bathed himself, as was his custom, proceeded to the apartment allotted to the purpose of medi- tation, there to pour forth his thanks to his beneficent Creator. In his prayers he did not omit his son Sewdass, on whom he called down the blessings of heaven, little dreaming that he had rebelled against him, and was at that moment far from his birth-place and anxious parent, with- out having given him the slightest notice or intimation of his intention. The king, having ended his devotions, em- ployed the intermediate time till noon in his court. After the labours of the day were over, he retired to take his usual meal, and was surprised at not finding his son in his customary place, as he had hitherto never failed to be pre- sent. He sent a messenger to the minister’s house to see if he was there with Hurridass, but no—he was not there. The king then ordered him to be sought for in all the places where he thought he was likely to be, yet he was not found. King Rutnamanee on this became agitated and alarmed, especially when he heard that the minister was also engaged, with equally bad success, in searching for his son. He immediately ordered the different parts of the city to be searched closely, as well as the roads leading from it: but the youths, having had a good many hours’ start, were out of reach, and jogging along quite pleasantly, without inter- ruption. The minister also, as has been said, was looking everywhere for his son, and loudly deploring his absence; and on his servants informing him that he had not been seen since the previous night, no doubt was left on the anxious father’s mind that Sewdass and Hurridass had left the city together. He immediately presented himself before the king, and communicated his suspicions. The latter was sorely grieved at the turn affairs had thus unexpectedly taken, and asked the minister of he had not been cognisant of the intended departure of the two youths, and if so, why.

144 he had not taken the necessary precautions to prevent their carrying it out. The minister said that he knew nothing of it till the moment of his majesty's sending a messenger for the prince. The king then asked whether his orders regarding his son had been communicated to the youth. 'May it please your majesty,' said the minister, 'I distinctly informed my son of the instructions I had received from your majesty, and told him in addition that if he disregarded the matter, not only would he himself be a sufferer, but likewise I, his father. My son promised to obey me; but upon enquiry, I understand that yesterday morning the Prince Sewdass sent a messenger to request my son to wait upon him, but he returned a direct refusal, whereupon a second messenger came with a like message, and succeeded no better than the first. The prince, however, being bent upon having an interview, came in person the third time, and burst into my son's apartment. They then conversed for some time, were afterwards seen to retire to a secluded place, and have not since been seen or heard of. It is to be presumed that as your majesty was pleased to lay them under some restraint regarding their frequent meetings and growing intimacy, they have evaded your majesty's control, in order that they may give free scope to their inclinations. Such being the case, I would take the liberty of suggesting to your majesty the propriety of setting some portion of the troops in motion. Let them be sent out to the several neighbouring provinces, with instructions to scour the coun- try far and wide.' The king immediately acted on the minister's suggestion, and despatched numerous horsemen in all directions. The greatest exertions were made by them, but all without avail : they were fain to return, after a fruitless search. The king was grieved to learn that no trace of them could be found; and the minister and his family were also thrown into deep distress. His majesty again summoned his minister, and had another consultation with him, but neither of them could suggest a plan likely to result in the capture of the runaways. They became now

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thoroughly convinced that the king's commands were the sole cause of the step the youths had taken ; and they even went the length of surmising that the young men might, in a fit of desperation, have put an end to their lives. This affected them more seriously than ever, and made the two fathers wretched indeed. The minister, however, hoped for the best ; and on his observing the king weighed down by this last idea, he tried to rouse him from his lethargic state of distress by exhorting him not to allow such sad specula- tions to dwell on his mind. He counselled him to look to God for the restoration of the prince, as he (the minister) did for the recovery of his own son. He besought him not to despair, for that all would yet be well. ' Come what will,' said Vichakshun in conclusion, ' it is the duty of every good man to bow with meek submission to the will of Him who does everything for the best, and who is ever ready to listen to the prayers and supplications of his crea- tures.' These words from the minister, who was a truly good and wise man, greatly encouraged the king, who became calmer, and at length determined to leave the issue to God, who alone could help him out of the anguish into which the loss of his only son—the heir to his throne, and the prop of his old age—had plunged him. The minister, finding the king's usual composure somewhat restored, retired from his presence. " We must now see what has become of Prince Sewdass and his companion and bosom-friend Hurridass. As they prosecuted their journey, they frequently thought and talked of their parents, and pictured vividly to themselves the distress and sorrow which they would feel when their flight became known. Thus they went on through many a town and village, across rivers and streams, over steep and rugged mountains. They did not in their travels ignore the promptings of their generous and benevolent dispositions, but visited the huts of the poor, and administered such comfort as they could. They also entered, on their way, the several temples and places of worship, and performed T

146 appropriate devotions. Having one day travelled a long stage, they rested for awhile, during which time they noticed at a distance a large lake, and on its bank a small hut of peculiar construction, which excited their curiosity, and they determined to visit it. Accordingly, they drew near to it, and found that it was inhabited by an old hermit, who had lived in that spot for a period of twelve years. He was a venerable and devout-looking personage, and when they entered he was just in the act of rising from his devotions. They prostrated themselves at his feet, and besought his benediction, which having bestowed, he raised them from their humble posture and bade them be seated. He enquired after their health, where they came from, and their object in travelling towards such a retired spot. The two youths did not hesitate to make themselves known, and the reason which had led them to leave their respective homes. The hermit listened to their story very attentively, and finding that one of his visitors was the son of the king of Rutnapoory, he wished to be informed if he could be of any service to a person of so noble and exalted a rank, and in what manner he could accommodate him. They told him that all they required of him was, to be allowed to take up their residence with him for four months, until the rainy season should cease, and that they would then cease to incommode him, by resuming their travels. The hermit at once gladly consented, and assured them that, as far as it lay in his power, nothing should be wanting to make them comfortable. He then conducted them into an inner room, and having spread food before them, he retired, and left them to refresh themselves after their journey. He also had their horses well fed, watered, and housed. During their stay with the hermit their time was well employed. He was frequently visited by devout and religious men from all quarters, from whose conversation they derived substantial instruction. He him- self, being a man of learning, often spent some hours with them, and greatly assisted them in their studies. "At length the four months of their sojourn were fast

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drawing to a close, and the two youths regretted, as did the hermit, their approaching separation. The day, however, arrived on which they were to part, perhaps never more to meet, and the old man was as much affected as were his youthful friends. He gave them every needful direction regarding the road they were to take. At the distance of about twenty-four yojuns from the hermit's dwelling there were two roads—one to the left and one to the right. He advised them to follow the one to the right, the other being difficult and hazardous. The one he advised them to take he said they would find easy and safe, and on it they would meet with every accommodation for travellers and strangers, which was not the case with the other. On leaving, the hermit presented the prince with a small sword, telling him that if it should at any time be put into the fire until it became red-hot, he would certainly be in imminent danger, unless somebody should cool it; for that, although he might have it within his grasp, some enemy would rush upon him, overpower him, and finally prove victorious. ‘Remember,’ said the hermit, by way of concluding his observations, ‘Remember, these are my last words!’ He then bestowed his parting blessing upon them, and they in return paid him much reverence. Having gratefully acknowledged his kindness, and rendered suitable thanks, expressing at the same time their regret that they had not the means of making him a more substantial return, they proceeded on their journey. “In a few days they came to the spot where the two roads the hermit had alluded to branched off in opposite directions. Here they laid themselves down under a shady tree, to refresh themselves before they proceeded any further on their way. After awhile, the prince proposed that they should take the road to the left, but his companion did not agree to it, and reminded him of the caution they had received from the hermit. The prince was obstinate. ‘I would know,’ said he, ‘what perils and difficulties are to be encountered upon it, and when once satisfied on that point,

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we will return, if you wish it, and take the other road. I fear no danger, but with the hermit's blessing I feel myself equal to anything. Be of good cheer, friend Hurridass, and let us at once go forward.' Hurridass tried to dissuade the prince, but it was in vain, and it was therefore finally resolved to follow the prince's proposition, though only with the passive consent of the minister's son. “They had not proceeded far when they came to an immense and dark forest, where numberless trees of gigantic growth raised their towering heads to the skies; birds of various shapes, colours, and species, were perched thereon; the wild roarings of the forest denizens, inspiring terror at every step, were occasionally heard; whilst venemous reptiles met the eye in every direction. No human being could be discerned save the two youths. They made all speed to pass this forest ere the clouds of night should over- take them, and they shortly after arrived at a desert, which having crossed, they beheld, with extreme astonishment, a huge giant, of frightful appearance and most ferocious countenance, seated at the foot of a rock. They gazed on a figure of such unusual proportions with feelings of the most profound awe. His large and fiery eyes were fiercely rolling, his tongue protruded, and a tusk, like that of a boar, was visible on either side of his immense mouth. His nostrils emitted the most noxious effluvia, and his saliva streamed down his chin. His ears were like two flapping wings, and he presented altogether a most hideous and fiendish appearance. The two youths thought to escape his notice, but the monster, observing them, walked up, and in a voice of thunder bade them stop, adding that he was lucky in obtaining so unusually good and plentiful a meal, and that he would not on any account allow himself to be baulked of it, as he was voraciously hungry. He then eyed them separately, as if debating within himself which of them he should first devour, when the prince, addressing him in a firm and resolute manner, said, ‘What mean you, wretch? Think you we will permit you to feed upon us,

149 mighty as you appear to be, and as you no doubt think yourself? Attempt to approach but another step, and you will find out your mistake.' At these words from the prince, the giant became much enraged, and, gnashing his teeth in fury, at once advanced, with a view of putting his threat into execution, on which the prince nimbly stepped back, and, drawing his sword, inflicted a heavy blow on the monster's leg, which made him fall to the ground with a tremendous crash. He was severely wounded, and soon fainted from loss of blood. Recovering his senses, however, in a short time, the pain from his wound caused him to utter shriek after shriek, which resounded throughout the forest. He then rose from the ground, and, foaming with rage, stood throwing large stones at the prince, who broke them in pieces with his sword. The giant, while consider- ing what he should next do, made another effort to reach the prince, but his foot slipped in the attempt, and he fell once more to the ground. The prince, now finding that the giant experienced some difficulty in rising, thought it prudent to wait no longer, but to ensure his own safety and that of his companion by taking the life of the giant. He stepped up to him accordingly, and buried his sword to the hilt in his body. This, however, did not kill him at once; and, whilst yet struggling in the grasp of death, he raked together a quantity of stones, and threw them with such violence and precision at the prince, that the latter with great difficulty managed to avoid them. At last the mon- ster began to grow faint: he rolled over as he lay, and never stirred more, for just then Sewdass again approached him and stabbed him to the heart, when he immediately expired. "While the prince was thus engaged, his friend Hurri- dass, who took no part whatever in the combat with the giant, was engaged at a short distance in supplicating the aid of heaven for success to his friend the prince, on whose courage and skill their lives depended. He was yet in prayer, when he heard a voice exclaiming—'Victory!

150 victory! victory! to the brave Prince Sewdass and his companion Hurridass!' "The giant, a short time previously, had brought from the city of Single Dwip* a lady of noble birth and extreme beauty, who, on hearing the strange noise of the combat, and the terrific shrieking of the giant, had ventured from her rocky dwelling to ascertain the cause. She was greatly alarmed at witnessing the sanguinary battle which was taking place, but she privately and earnestly prayed to the Supreme Being that the charming prince might prove the victor, and she shortly had the gratification of seeing the ruthless tyrant expire. As soon as the victory was decided, Hurridass hastened to meet the prince, and, after mutual congratulations, they embraced each other, thanking God for their safe deliverance. In the mean time the prince had descried the lady above alluded to, and became smitten with her beauty, she herself being not untouched by the prince's manly appearance and handsome proportions. The prince was so struck with the sight of such unequalled and surpassing beauty, that he would have fallen to the ground in a swoon, had not Hurridass supported him. This sudden effect on the nerves of the prince agitated his friend greatly, and he began to fear that it was perhaps the result of their disobedience to their parents, for he concluded it was the effect of the encounter with the giant. Hurridass busied himself in endeavouring to revive the prince by fanning his face with the skirt of his garment, and having at last succeeded in his efforts, he besought him to compose him- self, and advised him at once to leave the scene of blood. 'Hurridass!' cried the prince, 'I cannot believe that I am the same man I was but a moment since! My heart has received a wound—such a wound as I cannot well describe! I am bewildered!—What ails me?—Oh, this wound!' and he swooned away a second time. Hurridass could not comprehend all this, and when the prince came to himself again, he asked him what was the matter,—

• The island of Ceylon.

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whether he had been wounded by his adversary the giant, or whether he was suffering from any other cause, as yet unknown to him. ‘Ah! my good Hurridass,’ said the prince, ‘did you but know what I feel—the anguish I now endure—you would indeed pity me. Look yonder, friend,’ continued he, pointing to the lady, who was now nearly abreast of them, ‘look yonder, and you will discern the object which causes me so much pain and anguish of mind.’ Hurridass looked round, and perceived an incomparably beautiful lady, stretched on the ground in the same helpless condition as that from which the prince had just recovered. The mystery was at once cleared up,—Hurridass knew what troubled his companion Sewdass so much. ‘Prince,’ said he, ‘my dear and tried friend!—restrain your passion, and be of good cheer! You will soon, I feel certain, be master of the object which seems to have so suddenly and power- fully affected you.’ ‘Did you see that beautiful form— that angelic creature?’ enquired the prince; ‘where, oh where is she?—whither has she gone?’ A dizziness here came over the prince, and he seemed to lose sight of her. ‘Seek for her, dear Hurridass, and bring her hither, I beseech you!’ These and other hasty expressions escaped from him, which greatly alarmed his friend and companion, who began to think that he was not in his right senses. At last the prince spoke more sensibly, and, rising from the ground, he accompanied Hurridass to the spot where the idol of his heart still lay. They were exceedingly alarmed to find her insensible, the violence of her passion for the prince having had the same effect upon her as it had upon him. Seeing the deplorable condition she was in, Sewdass was moved to tears, and groaned piteously. ‘Wipe away these tears, which so ill become a man,’ said Hurridass; ‘why are you so weak as to allow yourself to be thus agitated? Compose yourself, and I will endeavour to bring the lady to life, and also try to ascertain the true cause of her indisposition.’ The prince strived to subdue his grief, and besought Hurridass to assist the lady—to bring some

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water to bathe her temples—and to ascertain if possible who and what she was, and where she had come from. Hurri- dass immediately set about executing the prince's orders : he advanced nearer to the lady, to do which he had to enter the rent in the rock which led to the giant's dwelling. What was his surprise when, instead of a gloomy cavern, he found himself at the entrance of a spacious hall, splen- didly furnished, and showing every sign of having been in the occupation of persons of taste and refinement! Thither he carried the still insensible lady, and beckoned the prince to follow. The cave was evidently the work of man : it was in the form of a vault, the light being obtained through an aperture in the cavity on the opposite side of the entrance. Hurridass went further in, and seeing a basin of solid gold on a stool, he filled it with water from a spring in the rock, and sprinkled the face of the lady, after which he bathed her temples. She slowly recovered, and, on looking about her, gazed fixedly at the prince; then, turning to Hurri- dass, she expressed her thanks to him in the most flattering terms. 'I do not know how to thank you,' said she ; 'I am under great obligation to you and to your brave com- panion. But for you, I fear I should never have been restored to consciousness. I shall not, I trust, prove ungrateful.' Hurridass replied by a low bow, and begged to be informed how he could be of further service to her. She thanked him anew, and invited him and the prince to an inner apartment, where she soon had a sumptuous repast laid before them, of which they heartily partook. The lady then entered into conversation with them, enquir- ing as to their journey—whence they had come, and by what singular chance they had arrived at that place,—' for,' continued she, 'since I have lived here I have not once until to-day beheld a human face !' The sweet tone in which she spoke, and her polite manners, were not lost on the prince or his companion. The latter said, 'Oh, princess!— rare and unequalled being !—before I proceed to answer your enquiries, give me leave to express the satisfaction we