356 FOLKTALES OF INDIA.
At that time the people of Benares were devoted to the worship of tree-sprites, and were constantly engaged in presenting offerings and the like. Then a certain poor brahman said to himself — " I'll take care of a tree-sprite! " There was, close by, a large Palasa-tree, on an elevated terrace. The base of this tree he levelled, freed it from grass, cast sand all around it, and swept it clean. On the tree he placed five kinds of fragrant gums, and did honour to it with flowers, perfumes, and incensa. He then lighted a lamp, saying, '* Sleep pleasantly ! " After perambulating the tree he departed. The next day, very early in the morning, he went and inquired whether the sprite had slept well.
One day it happened that the tree-sprite thought to itself — " This brahman takes great care of me. I'll try him and find out why he looks after me in this way. Then (if he stands the test) I'll grant him his request." When the brahman came to sweep around the root of the tree, the sprite, disguised as an old brahman, stood near and spake the following gdthd ;—
" This tree that here stands is of feeling bereft, No sense has it got, 'tis as deaf as a post. O brahman say why you worship this stock And kindly inquire how the night it has passed."
On hearing this the brahman made answer in the following gdthd : —
- ' This tree that you see is famous and large,
It stands very high, and is known far and wide. A god therein dwells, the giver of wealth, And that's why I honour this Palasa-tree."
The tree-Bpr.te was pleased with the brahman's speech, and said : " I, brahman, have come to life as a sprite in this tree. Fear not, I will bestow wealth upon thee." Having reassured him, he, by his great supernatural power, stood at the entrance of his abode in the air and spake the two following gdthds : —
" For thee, O dear brahman, I'll do what I can, And gratitude show for what you have done. In serving the good not vain arc your toils. How can they forget the kind deeds of their friends? "
