down to the depths of the clear current. Since then it has changed its course a little and the water has receded more and more, leaving the stairs bare and dry. After stepping down people now have to walk a short distance over the dry mud in order to reach the water. A big banyan tree stands close by; it has stood so from time immemorial, looking down at its own image reflected in the dark blue surface below. The current of the river has gradually washed away the earth from around its numerous roots, leaving them exposed. Underneath this tree two large stones have been laid down and these now form the bathing-place of the village people.
On that day, I had come out of my room and was sitting on one of these stones. The water had not yet turned rosy with the first kiss of the god of day; it was lying still and grey before me. The birds had just begun to send out welcoming trills to the fast advancing sun-god. I was thinking of my own fate. I did not know whether I had any relations of my own living, and the person with whom destiny had made me take shelter was fast approaching the end of his days. Suddenly I looked up at the sound of footsteps. You were advancing towards the river and to my eyes you looked as resplendent as the god of light himself. In the half light of the early dawn we first exchanged glances. It was the most inauspicious yet the most auspicious moment of my life.
A young heart craves for human company and, as there were only the old man and myself to chose between, it was no wonder that you chose the younger one as your companion, and so did I choose you. The smile that I had worn as a mask became real through your friendship. So long as this lasted I banished all sorrow and sadness from my heart; all was full of light within and without. How the days passed! They now seem like dreams to me, dreams that have vanished in the fierce light of day. But memory still lingers on like some golden
