48. He reigned here for sometime in his self-gotten kingdom, having extended his power and mandates on all sides; he ruled the state through the medium of the ministers, and was himself known by the name of Gávala throughout his dominions.
CHAPTER XLVI.
GÁDHI’S LOSS OF HIS VISIONARY KINGDOM.
Argument. Continuation of Gádhi’s Vision:—
Vasishtha continued:—Thus was Gádhi surrounded by his courtiers, and attended by his ministers; the chiefs paid their homage to him, and the royal umbrella was raised above his head and the chouri flapped about him.
2. He attained great dignity on seeing his mandates were carried out on every side. He was delighted to learn the state affairs, and to be informed that his subjects were happy and lived fearless within his dominion.
3. The pæans of the panegyrists, made him forget himself and his former state; and the excess of his delight, made him as giddy as if by intoxication.
4. He reigned for full eight years over the Kiri kingdom, and managed himself in an honourable manner all along that time.
5. He was once sitting at his pleasure and without his regal attire in the open air; and was looking at the clear firmament, which was devoid of clouds and darkness, and without the light of the sun, moon and stars.
6. His heart was full with the enjoyment of royal dignity, and did not think much of the trinkets and ornaments, which were loaded upon him.
7. He went abroad at one time in this naked state of his body, and beheld the setting sun bending his course below the horizon from his wonted path of glory. (The setting sun refers to his present state and his impending fall).