Tale XIV.
Notwithstanding this generous promise and bountiful remission of his master Nâgârg′una, the Khan set out on his journey once again, even as before, determined this time to command his utterance and fulfil his task to the end. Treading his path with patience and earnestness he arrived at the cool grove, even to the foot of the mango-tree. There he raised his axe “White Moon,” as though he would have felled it.
Then spoke the Siddhî-kür, saying, “Spare the leafy mango-tree, and I will come down to thee.”
So the Khan put up his axe again and bound the Siddhî-kür on his back, to carry him off to Nâgârg′una.
Now as the day was long, and the air oppressive, so that they were well weary, the Siddhî-kür began to tempt the Khan to speak, saying,—
“Lighten now the journey by telling a tale of interest.”
But how weary soever the Khan was, he pressed his lips together and answered him never a word.
Then the Siddhî-kür finding he could not make him speak, continued, “If thou wilt not lighten the journey by telling a tale of interest, tell me whether I shall tell one to thee.”
And when he found that he still answered him not, he said, “If thou wilt that I tell the tale, make me a sign of consent by nodding thine head backwards.”
Then the Well-and-wise-walking Khan nodded his head backwards, and the Siddhî-kür proceeded to tell the tale in these words:—