She then warmly embraced me; and saying: "I go with reluctance, farewell for the present," she departed.
Having thus found the supposed dream to be a reality, and that the lady whom I had seen was the Princess Navamâlika, I was confirmed in my love, and set out for Sravasti, determined, if possible, to see her again.
On the road, I came to a village where there was a large fair and a great concourse of traders. Various amusements were going on; among others, a cock-fight, which I stopped to look at, and sat down near an old brahman, who was watching the fight with great interest. On seeing me smile, he asked the reason; and I answered: "What simpletons some of the breeders here must be to pit a Balâka cock against one of the Nârikela breed, which is sure to win."
With a knowing look, he whispered to me: "Hush! these blockheads know no better. I see you are a sharp fellow; sit quiet and say nothing." Then he offered me betel and pawn from his box; and we got into conversation.
Meanwhile, the birds fought furiously; and there was much vociferation on both sides; but, as I had predicted, the Balâka cock was beaten. The old man was delighted at the victory of the other, which was his own. He seemed to have taken a great liking to me, though our ages were so different, and invited me to his house, where I was very hospitably treated, and passed the night.
The next morning he accompanied me some distance on the way to Sravasti; and said, at parting: "Remember, I am your friend; do not hesitate to apply to me if there is anything in which I can help you."
After he had left me, I continued my journey; and arriving late and very tired at Sravasti, I lay down to sleep in an arbour in one part of the park outside the city. There I slept soundly till awakened by the noise of the swans and other birds in a lake not far off.
Soon after I had risen, I heard the tinkling of anklets, and saw a young lady walking towards me, with a painted canvas in her hand. When she came near, she looked first at me, and then at the painting. This she did several times, and was evidently surprised and pleased at the comparison On casting an eye on the picture, I also was much surprised, finding it to be a portrait of myself.
Feeling sure that the likeness could not be accidental, and that there must be some reason for her making the comparison and seeming so pleased at the result, I would not at first make any inquiry of her, but merely said: "This is a public place; we need not stand on ceremony; pray sit down with me." This she did; and we got into conversation about the news of the town.
At last she said to me: "You seem to be quite a stranger here, and look as if you were travel-tired. Will you be offended if I ask you to come and rest at my house?"