32. Vasishtha said:—Then the Rákshasí proceeded to the river side that very night, accompanied by the prince and his minister, and all joining together as friends.
33. These being sure of the amity of the Rákshasí both by affirmative and negative proofs, made their ablutions and stood on the bank on the river.
34. The Rákshasí then communicated to them with tenderness, the effective mantra which was revealed to her by Brahmá, for the removal of Visúchiká pain, and which was always successful.
35. Afterwards as the nocturnal fiend was about to depart by leaving her friendly companions behind, the prince stopped her course with his speech.
36. The prince said:—O thou of gigantic stature! thou hast become our preceptor by thy teaching us the mantra, we invite thee with affection, to take thy repast with us at ours tonight.
37. It does not become thee to break off our friendship, which has grown like the acquaintance of good people, at our very first meeting.
38. Give thy illfavoured feature a little more graceful figure, and walk along with us to our abode, and there reside at thy own pleasure.
39. The Rákshasí replied:—You can well provide a female of your own kind with her proper food; but what entertainment can you give to my satisfaction, who am a cannibal by my nature!
40. It is the food of a giant (Rákshasa) alone, that can yield me satisfaction, and not the little morsel of petty mortals; this is the innate nature of our being, and can not be done away with as long as we carry with us our present bodies.
41. The prince answered:—Ornamented with necklaces of gold, you shall be at liberty to remain with the ladies in my house, for as many days as you may like to abide.