A flute of Erandom
Return, return, return,
Oh! wild buffaloe cows.
The sound startled the wild buffaloes who said one to another “Sister. What is it Jhore says?” Again the music of the flute reached their ears, and the entire herd rushed off to Jhore’s rescue. They charged the crowd in and around the palace of their favourite with such determination that in a few minutes many lay gored to death, and those who were so fortunate as to escape threw down drums, fifes, and palkis, and fled pell mell from the place. The raja, being informed of the catastrophe that had befallen the bariat, again called the paroquet, and after he had given him careful instructions as to how he should proceed, dismissed him. He said, “This time you must stay many days with him, and secure his entire confidence and friendship. Then you must bring away all his flutes, do not leave him one.” So the paroquet flew swiftly, and alighted on a tree near to Jhore’s house, and began to whistle. Jhore seeing it was a paroquet brought it food, and induced it to come down, and allow him to take it in his hand. The two, it is said, lived together many days, and greatly enjoyed each other’s society. The paroquet when he had informed himself as to where all Jhore’s flutes were kept, one day tied them all up in a bundle, and carried them to the raja. The sight of the flutes revived the drooping spirits of his Majesty. He gave orders a third time for the bariat to go and bring Jhore, so they started with greater pomp and show than before. Elephants, horses, and an immense number of men with drums and fifes, and palkis formed the procession. On their arrival Jhore came out of his palace and said to them, “Do not come near, or you will rue it.” They replied, “This time we will have you. We will take you with us.” Again Jhore warning them said, “Come no nearer. If you do, you will see something as good as a show. Do you not remember how you fared the other day?” But they said, “We will carry you away with us.” Jhore ran inside to get his flute, so that he might call the wild buffaloes to his assistance; but no flute was to be found. Without the help of his powerful friends he could offer no resistance, so they seized him, and bore him away in triumph to the raja.
When the raja’s daughter heard of his arrival the fever suddenly left her, and she was once more in excellent health. She and Jhore were united in the bonds of marriage forthwith; but Jhore was kept a close prisoner in the palace.
In course of time a son blessed the union, and when the child was able to walk Jhore’s wife said to him, “Where is the large herd of buffaloes which you boast so much about? If they were here “Sonny” would have milk and curds daily.” Jhore plucking up courage, replied, “If you do not believe me order a stockade to be constructed thirty-two miles long and thirty-two miles broad, and you shall soon behold my buffaloes.” So they made a pen thirty-two miles long and thirty-two miles broad. Then Jhore said, “Give me my old flute, and you all remain within doors.” So they brought him his flute, and he went up on to the roof of the palace, and played. The music seemed to call as follows:
A staff of Pader wood
A flute of Erandom
Return, return, return,
Oh! wild buffaloe cows.