Page:History of Bengali Language and Literature.djvu/368

332 BENGALI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE, [ Chap, who he was, and what had brought him to Ceylon. Dhanapati said ‘“‘ My name is Dhanapati Datta. I am a native of Ujani in Mangalakota in Burdwan. — | came here to trade but owing to an optical illusion which completely overpowered me, I brought about. my own misfortunes. The tale would bea long | one, and you need not listen sir, to its details. How thankful am I to you, O prince! for my release. If you permit, I may now start for my home to meet my beloved and long lost family.” Crimanta asked if he had left any children be- hind him. “I had two wives’”’ said Dhanapati “the younger Khullang was to give birth to a child, but I could not wait at home to see it born. Ifa_ child were born to her in due course, that one must be now a little more than twelve years of age’ and here Dhanapati manifested extreme anguish of heart. Crimanta showed him the letter written by Dhana- pati to Khullana in which the merchant had alluded to the child that would be born to her. Dhanapati wept bitterly over the letter. It brought to 1015 re- collection his dear wife and all the sufferings he had passed through during these twelve years. He implored Crimanta to tell him how he came into possession of an article which belonged to his wife, and if he knew anything about Kbullana and other inmates of his house. Finally he said, “ the sight of you, dear sir, I do not know why, has filled my heart with great delight. If 1 had hada son, he would have been exactly of your age.” This was too much for Grimanta, who at these words fell pros- trate at his father’s feet, and said “ Father! I am your unfortunate son. I started from home with seven ships, with the object of finding you. Gra-