The coolie was astonished to hear his name so readily pronounced by one who was apparently a stranger to him, but he said:—
“I am sorry that I do not know you, Sir.”
Subrahmanya then explained to him who he was, and requested him to follow his advice.
“My dear son,” said he, “do as I bid you. Early morning to morrow leave your bed and take to the market your buffalo and the corn sack. Dispose of them for whatever amount they will fetch. Do not think twice about the matter. Buy all that is necessary for a sumptuous meal from the sale proceeds and eat it all up at once without reserving a morsel for the morrow. You will get a great deal more than you can eat in a day; but do not reserve any, even the smallest portion of it. Feed several other Brâhmiṇs with it. Do not think that I advise you for your ruin. You will see in the end that what your father’s disciple tells you is for your own prosperity.”
However, whatever the sage might say, Kapâlî could not bring himself to believe him.
“What shall I do to feed my wife and children to-morrow if I sell everything belonging to me to-day?”
Thus thought Kapâlî, and consulted his wife.
Now she was a very virtuous and intelligent woman. Said she:—
