ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA.
My lord, having great anxiety on your account, I wandered about in various countries. One day, when stooping to drink from a cool, clear stream, near a forest, I saw something bright under the water, and having taken it up, found it to be a ruby of very great value.
Exhausted by fatigue and the scorching heat of the sun, I went into a small temple to rest, and saw there a brahman with a number of children, all looking wretched and half-starved. He seemed to regard me as a possible benefactor, and when questioned, readily told me his story; how his wife had died, leaving him with the care of all these children, and how, having no means of subsistence, he had wandered about in the hope of obtaining some employment; but had got nothing better than the charge of this small temple, where the offerings were not sufficient to support him and his family.
I asked him—"What is that camp which I see at some distance?"
He answered—"The Lord of Lâta, Mattakâla by name, hearing again and again of the great beauty of Vâmalochana, daughter of Víraketu, sovereign of this country, asked her in marriage, and was refused. Being determined to obtain her, he raised an army and besieged Pâtali, the capital city. Víraketu finding himself unable to resist the enemy, purchased peace by giving up his daughter, and Mattakâla, thinking that the marriage can be celebrated with greater magnificence in his own country, has deferred it till his return. He is now on his way home with a small part of his army, the rest having been dismissed; and he is staying at present near this forest to enjoy the pleasures of the chase. The princess is not with her intended husband, but under the care of Mânapâla, one of her father's officers, who is said to be very indignant at the surrender of the lady; you may see his camp at no great distance from the other."
While thanking the poor man for his information, a thought came into my mind—here is a very poor and deserving man, I will give him the jewel which I have found; and I did so.
He received the gift with profuse thanks, and set out immediately to try to dispose of it; while I lay down there to sleep.
After a time I was awakened by a great clamour, and saw the brahman coming towards me with his hands tied behind him, driven along, with blows of a whip and much abuse, by a party of soldiers.