of the snakes has shown a great desire to possess them.”
“Very well,” said Utonka as he stood up and blessed the queen. “May peace be with you and waft its unseen breezes to cool your heart.”
Full of joy Utonka left the inner apartments with the doorkeeper, whereupon Shubashukla embracing her companion said laughing, “Today, my companion, I am very happy; for by giving these worthless gold ear-rings to this Brahmachari I have been made holier.” At which her companion laughed and said, “We also share your happiness, but I hope that Takshat will not cause any trouble to him on the road.”
Shubashukla replied, “Even if any accident happens, who would hurt the Brahmachari? The gods would conspire together to return the ear-rings to him, if they were lost or stolen.”
In the meantime Utonka, taking the ear-rings with him, wondered, as he went out, at the beauty and grace of the palace. On his way he met the king who was returning from his evening prayers carrying some flowers in his hands. Seeing the Brahmachari he greeted him by scattering flowers over him.
Utonka addressing him said, “My prayer,
