6. The Huntsman said: O! it is a great wonder, and inconceivable in my mind, that the sage that expounded the nature of dreams, is now manifest before me.
7. I wonder at this, O sage! that the sagely guest whom you saw in your dream, and who explained the cause of dreams to you, should now be seen in this waking state.
8. Say how could this visionary sage seen in your airy dream, come to appear in a solid body, and sit sedate at this place, like the fancied ghost of boys.
9. Please to explain to me this wonderful narration of yours, in due order; as to who he is and whence and wherefore he comes in this questionable form.
10. The sage replied:—Hear me patently, O fortunate man, to relate to you about this wonderful narrative. I will tell this briefly to you, but you must not be hasty about it.
11. This sage that now sits by thee, had told me then for my acquaintance of him; that he was a learned man, and has come hither now with his tale too long to relate.
12. He said these words, saying, that he remembered his former nature, which was as bright and fair as the clear sky, at the end of the foggy season (of the month of mágh).
13. O! I remember also that I became a sage afterwards, with an expanded mind; my heart was swollen with joy, and remained bathed (amazed) at my wondrous change.
14. I was glad at that state of my life, from my desire of the enjoyments of the world; but was deceived like a weary passenger, pursuing a mirage with eager expectation of water.
15. Alack! that the phantoms of the phenomenal world, should so allure even the wise; as the tempting fiends of hell, deceive mankind only to deceive them.