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

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conducted him to a bath, which had been previously ordered
to be prepared. On his return she took off his travelling
garb, and arrayed him in a suit of unusual value and
richness.
"It would be impossible to convey any just idea of
Prince Soomunt's joy. He was heard to say to himself,
'Oh, the dear and generous princess! What a treasure
has this day been restored to me! I thank heaven for
guiding my steps to this city. It gives me cause to hope
that a long life of happiness is before me—even more than
my heart can be said to desire.' The next day Malattee
did not appear in her kingly garb, but having dressed
herself like one of her own sex, and as became her position
in life, she sent for one of the officers, and ordered him to
summon the minister to her apartment forthwith. When
the minister entered the chamber, in obedience to the com-
mand of his king, he was surprised to see a lady of such
extraordinary beauty there, and whom he had never before
seen. The princess, however, put an end to his conjectures
at once, by entering upon a relation of her own and Prince
Soomunt's history. He listened to her in silence and
admiration. When she had ended the narrative, she direct-
ed him to manage the affairs of her government, with as
much care and diligence as possible, for the space of a
month from that day, as she would not appear in court until
her beloved Soomunt was perfectly recovered from the indis-
position attendant upon his long and harassing journey.
She would, however, give him all the assistance in her
power during her temporary absence from the public.
"The Princess Malattee entertained the prince with a
series of the most magnificent festivals, such as royalty
alone could command: and every care and attention being
at the same time bestowed on the restoration of his health,
the prince, before the expiration of the month, had regained
his usual strength and spirits, and was in all respects pre-
pared to enter into any business of weight and importance.
He now appeared to the princess, after the rest and comfort

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he had enjoyed, far more handsome than ever : his finely-
moulded limbs, his noble air, and the majesty of his person,
all combined to render him one of the handsomest men,
in all respects, ever seen.
“ Shortly after this, Malattee summoned the minister
and other nobles of the court, and acquainted them with
her intention of placing Soomunt on the throne in her
stead. They seemed much pleased to hear this, and there
was not a single dissentient voice raised against the proposi-
tion. They each and all congratulated the prince, with
much warmth-and sincerity, and he was speedily placed
upon the throne, amidst great and gorgeous celebrations,
and with the usual ceremonies on such occasions. The
new king was proclaimed throughout the city, and in all the
adjacent places; and for several days together there was
one continual flow of all that could tend to heighten the
joy and increase the pleasure of the people at such an event.
The rejoicings extended all over the kingdom, and couriers
were despatched to different parts to make the event known
far and near. Prince Soomunt entered into the business
of state with so much confidence and majesty, and displayed
such tact and ability, that he gained the admiration and
well-merited approbation of all his subjects, so that they
became, if possible, more than ever pleased with their
sovereign ; and everything prospered under his wise and
discreet rule.
“ The prince and princess (whom we must henceforth
designate the king and queen) thus continued to live
happily together for a considerable time. One morning,
the queen began to take a retrospective view of their past
lives, when it occurred to her that Queen Shoodhamutty
might perhaps at that moment be suffering the deepest and
most inconsolable grief for the loss of her only son, as she
had had no opportunity of hearing from him since the
night on which he absconded from the palace. She there-
fore mentioned the matter to her husband, and desired him
to write to the king her father, acquainting him with all

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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

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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.

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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

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.