thou wast rescued by such an extraordinary animal. My beautiful figure makes me too desirable a prey. Lo, as a rule, the hearts of men, owing to their great covetousness, possess little mercy or self-restraint.
12. 'Therefore, take care to guard both thy own good properties and me. A treacherous behaviour towards a friend never tends to bliss.
'Do not either trouble thy mind by anger because I speak so to thee. I am but a deer, unskilled in the deceitful politeness of men. Moreover,
13. 'It is the fault of such people as are clever in fallacy and possess the talent of assuming a show of feigned honesty that even those whose honesty is sincere are looked at with suspicion.
'So then, thou wilt please me by doing as I said.' And the man promised to do so, and after bowing to the Great Being and circumambulating him, set out for his home.
Now at that time there lived in that country a queen of some king who saw true dreams. Whatever extraordinary dream she dreamt was realised. One time, being asleep she had this dream about day-break. She saw a ruru-deer of resplendent brilliancy, shining like a heap of jewels of every kind, standing on a throne and surrounded by the king and his assembly, preaching the Law in a human voice of an articulate and distinct sound. Affected with astonishment she awoke with the beating of drums which were to arouse her husband from sleep[1]. And she took the first opportunity to go and see the king, who kindly received her not only with the honour she deserved but also with solicitous affection.
14. Then she, whose bright eyes enlarged with astonishment and whose lovely cheeks were trembling from gladness, presented her lord with the account of that marvellous dream as with a gift of homage.
- ↑ It was the custom to awake the king by the sound of music and songs. See, for instance, Râmâyana II, sarga 65.
