"No, child," replied he: "those who live in company with their own thoughts are never lonely. Instead of looking only at the life that is now passing, or has passed away—as you do—I look forward to the mystery of the hereafter, to what is to be after death. And I find this enough to occupy every minute of the day and the night!"
"Oh, Holy Man," said she: "why do you despise life? To me it seems sweet and full of joy, and my heart sinks at the thought that it cannot last forever!"...
A vivid flash of lightning startled the Princess, who shrieked, and hid her face in her hands.
I pushed my head further into the door of the hut so as to close the opening and shut out the glare.
"Poor little thing!" said the Hermit. "Here I am talking about death and oblivion to this lovely flower that blooms and delights all around her!"
He gently removed the hands which she still held clenched before her eyes:
"Fear nothing," said he. "We are safe and sheltered here from the violence of the storm." Then, in order to reassure her, and to distract her attention, he added:
"If you like, I will tell you a Story, and it will show you why I no longer care for a world where good fortune often attends a thief or a liar, and brings them to honour."
"Oh, yes!" said Parvati. "By all means tell me this Story!"
"Listen, then," said the Hermit.