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

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

145

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

147

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,

148

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.

151

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

152

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

153 both feel—myself and the companion of my travels, my bosom friend—at this unexpected and delightful interview with you. We trust it may tend to secure your happiness, and that of your humble servants now before you.' He then entered into a brief history of himself and the prince, and communicated all that it was desirable to do. The princess, after hearing the whole, addressed them thus:— 'Prince Sewdass, and you, good Hurridass, behold before you an unfortunate virgin, the offspring of noble parents, who are at present residing toward the south, at a place called Single Dwip. I am called Moheeny. The giant you have slain decoyed me from home, and then forcibly con- veyed me hither. I fainted as he carried me away in his monstrous and fiendish arms, and when I came to my senses I found myself incarcerated in this dreary cavern. 'To add to my grief, the monster endeavoured by every means to make me love him. I have been here for some days, and as I constantly remained in my own apartment of the cave, he never once asked me to share his bed. How lucky for me has it proved that you chanced to journey this way, and have thus been the means of saving me from ruin and death! I was suddenly awakened, during the encounter of the prince with the giant, by a loud shriek, which filled me with great fear. I sallied forth from my apartment, and, from the summit of the rock, witnessed the combat. The joy I experienced at the fall of the giant I cannot well express.' Saying this, she advanced towards the prince, and threw herself at his feet, but he raised her again imme- diately. She then approached Hurridass with the same intention, but he begged her to forbear. Both the prince and Hurridass were deeply moved at the recital of her tale: while they admired her beauty and accomplishments, they pitied her cruel fate. "Things were not, however, to remain thus long. She felt that she could no longer smother her passion for the prince. It must be divulged. She could not refrain from commending his valour, and extolling him above all the U

154

heroes of his age. He, on his part, became more and more enamoured of the lovely girl : not only did her personal charms captivate him, but her mental acquirements were also of the highest order. The prince went out for awhile, and Moheeny availed herself of the opportunity to declare her passion for him to Hurridass. ‘Oh !’ said she, ‘how happy should I be could I but continually be with him! It was my sudden and irresistible passion for him which reduced me to the condition in which you found me. I belong to a country very remote from this, and it would be an abuse of his goodness to ask him to travel thither; neither is it my wish to do so. I have made up my mind never more to visit it. If the prince will agree to live with me here, nothing shall be wanting on my part to render his stay comfortable, and suitable to his rank and position ; and, should he hereafter wish it, I shall be prepared to set out with him to the uttermost corner of the earth!’ She concluded by requesting Hurridass to inter- cede for her with the prince, in order that their union might be confirmed and their nuptials celebrated by himself. All this the latter communicated to Sewdass on his return, who, not a little elated, gave a joyful consent. The rite of Gundhervivahu* was accordingly performed by Hurridass the very next day, and Moheeny became the wife of Sewdass. The following morning they all three met together, and were greatly delighted at the aspect of affairs. “Soon after these events, Hurridass expressed a desire that their travels might be resumed, and he entreated the prince to accompany him by the right-hand road, as advised by the hermit. Sewdass begged to be excused, as his health, he said, would not permit him to undertake so long a journey. Hurridass, however, concluded that he was too much taken up with his beautiful partner to be persuaded to leave her; he therefore resolved upon prosecuting the journey alone. The prince regretted much that his friend

• Marriage by mutual consent of the parties, without reference to parents or others.

155 and fellow-traveller should proceed without him, but he was still more disinclined to part from his wife ; they had no alternative, therefore, but to separate. The prince embraced Hurridass, and begged him to visit them without fail within four months, which Hurridass promised to do ; and at length, having partaken of a hasty repast, he saddled his horse and departed, amidst many expressions of kindness and solicitude from his friends. The prince continued to live in the cavern with his wife Moheeny.

156 CHAPTER X. Continuation of Veytal's tale. " HURRIDASS, while jogging along, remembered the admonition of his tutor, and prayed to the Almighty to guide him safely through his journey, and enable him to fulfil the command given him. He crossed the desert without mishap, and was pleased when he beheld the tree at the junction of the two roads, under which he had sat with his companion. He rested there awhile, and then again set out. Having travelled about thirty-two yojuns, he arrived at a meadow, in the centre of which he perceived a beautiful lake, and on its bank a small thatched hut. He went up to it, to ascertain whether any one resided there, and was agreeably surprised to find a venerable hermit seated within. Hurridass entered, and, prostrating himself at the feet of the holy man, received his benediction. The hermit then enquired whence he had come, and what was his mission. Hurridass satisfied him on these points, and told him even of the prince and his habitation. " The hermit was very learned, and a profound thinker, —well acquainted with all the arts and sciences; he was also a mild, temperate, and cheerful companion. He seemed exceedingly pleased with the concluding portion of Hurri- dass' narrative, and greatly commended him for having never once lost sight of his tutor's injunction. 'Hurridass,' said the hermit, 'there are but few who will willingly undergo such toils and inconveniences for the sake of obeying their tutors: he who does so, not only pleases the instructor, but the Almighty also.' After this, the hermit said he might remain with him as long as he pleased or wished, assuring him that he would make him as comfort- able as possible, and teach him some curious and sacred

157 arts, as well as some rare and wonderful charms, such as were known but to few human beings. Hurridass prostrated himself a second time, and renewed his thanks; he then decided on taking up his residence for a time with the hermit. "Let us now see how Prince Sewdass fared with his beloved Moheeny. He was in the enjoyment of ease and happiness, there being nothing wanting to render a reason- able mind contented and peaceful. The giant had hoarded up plenty of provisions and other needful articles, for the use of Moheeny, before he brought her to the cavern; and there was a deep river, full of fish, on the side of the moun- tain, close to the cavern. One day the prince and Moheeny took a walk together towards this river, and they sat down on its bank to watch the various fishes sporting before them. It was indeed a quiet and delicious retreat. As they sat thus, a sudden movement, as of contention, was observable among the fish. The prince had, in an affectionate manner, wound his arm round the princess' neck, which caused the centre diamond of her necklace, which was of extraordinary size and brilliancy, to drop into the river, and it was immediately swallowed by one of the fish. The prince grieved at the loss of the diamond, and for a time sat without uttering a word. So sat the princess also,—not in anger, but in grief. They retired to their dwelling with heavy hearts, and Sewdass, observing that the princess appeared unusually out of sorts, which he attributed to the irritation she felt at her loss, said to her, 'I pray you, let me know the value of the diamond, and I will endeavour to replace it.' Moheeny hung down her head, but did not speak a word in reply, so deeply absorbed was her mind. The prince continued,—'If a man be once dead, he will never again return to life: his wife and children may lament him as much as they please, and even sacrifice their own lives, in vain. Should an article of small size be dropped into the ocean, it would be useless seeking for it there. The pleasure we derive from any one source has its

158

limit : we should not look beyond it, for if we lose it once, it cannot be regained. Listen to me, dear love,' added the prince, 'to eat whilst walking, to laugh whilst talking, to be jealous of others' prospects, to regret losses, to recal the past, to interrupt the conversation of others, and to be eavesdropping, are unmistakeable signs of a perverted understanding. Do not, therefore, my dear Moheeny, grieve for the loss of the precious stone, but try to calm yourself.' These words, spoken in the most endearing tone, helped to clear away the mist of regret that clouded Moheeny's mind, and to restore her to her usual serenity and liveliness. It will be here necessary to make a short digression. "To the northward, about forty-seven yojuns from the cave, there was a city called Hempoory, the ruling monarch of which was named Kankameroo. The city covered an extent of some seven yojuns, and was densely populated. It pleased the Almighty to cause a great scarcity of water in the dominions of this king, the largest ponds, wells, lakes, and rivers being dried up ; the people were conse- quently obliged to quit their respective localities, and take up their residence in places where a sufficiency of this necessary of life was likely to be met with. In this city also lived a poor and destitute fisherman, with a large family wholly depending on his unaided exertions. This family, as may be imagined, was reduced to the most pain- ful stage of distress by the dearth of water,—in reality they were but eking out a wretched and miserable existence. The fisherman happened on one occasion, in pursuit of his calling, to come to that part of the river where the diamond had been dropped by Prince Sewdass. Finding the river well stocked with fish, he thanked God for direct- ing his steps to the spot, and then cast in his net. When he drew it up, he found it well filled, so he cast it a second time, and was favored with another large draught of fish, among which he found one far excelling the others in beauty and brilliancy,—in fact he had never before seen one to be

159 compared to it. This was the fish which had swallowed the diamond. Having admired it for some time, he deposited it, with the others, in two baskets, which he slung across his shoulder, and in this way he went home. He gave the finest fish to his wife, to be dressed for his dinner, asking her to have it ready by the time he returned from the market. The fisherman's wife, on opening the belly of the fish, found therein the rich diamond, set in gold. Its brightness dazzled her eyes, and shone through every crevice in the humble dwelling. The woman had had some ex- perience in things of this sort, she therefore wrapped up the jewel in a piece of cloth the instant she found it, lest some one should see it and deprive her of the treasure. She was quite elated with the prize; and, as she hastily set about preparing her husband's dinner, she felt impatient to impart the joyful tidings to him. When the fisherman returned from the market, his wife placed his meal before him, and being hungry, not having had a good dinner for the previous four or five days, he fell to heartily. When he had ap- peased his hunger, his wife told him of the diamond she had found, and he desired her to produce it. As soon as he saw it, he was struck with amazement at its brilliancy and evident value, and could not help giving utterance to an exclamation of joy at the sight of the unexpected wealth before him, which would render him rich and independent for the remainder of his life. He knew pretty well the value of the diamond, and he cautioned his wife not to tell any one of their good luck. 'God has so bountifully provided for us,' said he, 'in consideration, doubtless, of the continued distresses to which we have been subject.' He told his wife he would take the diamond to the king of the city, who, being a worthy and good man, would no doubt reward him liberally. Accordingly, having clad himself in mean apparel, he placed the diamond in a common plate, and took it to the palace, where, on presenting himself, he was asked by one of the attendants what he wanted. He said he had brought a certain article for his majesty, and

160 begged to be allowed an interview. The attendant reported the matter to the king, who was pleased to grant the request of the poor fisherman. The attendant led the way into an inner apartment, and he followed. Being come before the king, the fisherman respectfully saluted his majesty, who asked him what he had brought. 'May it please your majesty,' said the wily fisherman, 'I am an inhabitant of this city, where, by severe losses and misfortunes, I have been reduced to the greatest straits. I have been compelled to part with every valuable article that was bequeathed to me by my ancestors, to provide food for myself and family. This diamond (at the same time presenting the plate to his majesty) is all I have now left. I thought it best to show it to your majesty before I offered it for sale elsewhere.' The diamond was one of a rare kind and of great size: it shone like a bright meteor, dazzling all who beheld it. The king was himself no less surprised than the rest. After admiring it for awhile, he took it in his hand, and, in a transport of joy, exclaimed, 'You a poor man!—even I, who am a king, and the possessor of many jewels, have never yet seen a stone of such beauty and dazzling brightness.' The king sent for his jewellers to value it, and they too were amazed at the beauty and size of the precious stone. After turning it over and examining it for a long time, they pro- nounced the diamond invaluable. The king immediately ordered his treasurer to give the owner of the diamond as much money as he should require, and to preserve the stone in his royal treasury; in short, he became the pur- chaser. “As the king handed it to the treasurer, he observed that the stone was set in gold, and had evidently formed part of a lady's neck ornament. He concluded, too, that the person who had worn it must have been a creature of rare perfec- tion and beauty. This idea worked in his mind to such a degree, that he called his prime minister, and made him acquainted with the fact of his being desperately enamoured of this unknown lady; ordering him, at the same time, to

161 procure this Pudmini* for him. The minister was astounded at this unreasonable demand; his duty, however, was to obey; so he despatched couriers in different direc- tions, to seek for information, with instructions that if they found a person answering the description given them, to bring her without delay to court. The minister himself proceeded to an island called Jumboo-Dweep,† where a woman was said to have been seen of such beauty and qualifications as to entitle her to the designation of Pud- mini,—at least so the minister was informed. He searched for her, however, in vain. After his fruitless search he returned to the city, as did also the couriers from the other quarters. The king was much grieved to learn the unsuc- cessful termination of his minister’s journey, which only added to his passion, instead of in any way tending to lessen it. His malady increased to such an extent that he abstained almost altogether from food and rest. The minis- ter was the only person who during this period conducted the business of the state; and though he was just and forbearing, yet the people began to show signs of dissatis- faction at the continued absence of the king for no other reason than that he was indulging in a morbid passion for an unknown person. “Things were in this state when a widow named Sham- bae, who was cook to the royal household, hearing of his majesty’s indisposition, presented herself before him, saying, ‘May it please your majesty, I think I can find a way to cure you, if you will let me know the cause of your indis- position,—how your majesty has become so stricken, and what has made this strong impression upon you.’ The king gave her a particular account of all that had occurred to him relative to the diamond he had purchased a short time ago from, as he thought, a citizen in reduced circum-

• The first of the four classes into which women are said to be divided. † The central division of the world; according to some, India. V

162 stances. The widow possessed a depth of knowledge and cunning worthy of a statesman, and though she was struck dumb with surprise for awhile at the monarch's whim, she requested him to point out the individual from whom he had purchased the diamond, saying that she would try to bring about the wishes of the king. The fisherman was immediately brought before Shambae, who ordered him on pain of death to inform her truly from whence he had pro- cured the diamond. He replied, with much trepidation, that if she would be pleased first to assure him of his majesty's pardon for the deception he had practised, he would reveal the truth. ‘Well,’ replied Shambae, ‘I will secure for you his majesty's pardon, be the circumstances what they may. Speak fearlessly.’ The fisherman then told her his adventure, exactly as it had occurred, and what his profession really was, renewing at the conclusion his solicitation for the king's clemency. Shambae made him wait until she returned from the king, to whom she hastened, and represented the case, saying that the person whom his majesty had taken for an impoverished citizen was a fisher- man, and assuring his majesty that he need not be under any apprehension, for that, if he would rely on her, and have patience for a few days, she would, by employing her utmost zeal in his service, afford him the pleasure, and that very soon, of possessing the object of his love and admira- tion. She then set out, accompanied by the fisherman, in search of the place where the fish containing the diamond had been caught. The fisherman guided her to the spot : it was a beautiful and charming locality, and the pellucid stream flowing tranquilly along added to the charms of the scene. Shambae bade the fisherman leave her, after he had shown her the exact spot, and while revolving in her mind what plan to adopt, she happened to cast her eye on the traces of footsteps on the pathway along which Prince Sewdass and the lady of the cave had but a short time before walked. She followed up these footmarks until she came to the entrance of the cave, which was not very far from