The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-06-06

sovereignty. Ana then taklng counsel with his ministers, this Raj built lovely ] pool according to his own design, and | gave to ali manner of living animals se- cuTity from fear and danger. Afer awhile the Raja saw that these two swans had come here to dwell, and when they had become confiding and trustful, he asked them the reason of their golden form. Then the two swans, using human speech, thus addressed the Raja: o, great king, in a former birth we were oorn crows, and while fighting for our daily meal in holy and vacant temple of Siva, we fell down dead within vessel of this holy place, therefore, we remem- bering our former birth, have been born golden swans Having heard that, the Rsja gazed on them as much as he desired
 greatly pleased. Then you will thus obtain your father and relatives by our ex- traordinary gift.'" As it was spoken by Yainadatta, so it was done by Putraka. Those Brahmans came, having heard of the report of these gifts, and they, being thoroughly known, obtained great wealth and also their wives. Wonderful to say, wicked men whose minds are blinded by want of judgment, are unable to abandon their own nature even after suffering misfortunes.
 Alter time the Brahmans felt long ing for the sovereignty, and strong de- sire to kill Putraka. They led him away by shatagem to the temple of Durga, and caused murderers to be stationed within the shrine of the goddess. They said to him: "ln the first place look thou alone upon the goddess; go within" Then having entered with confidence, and see ing those men ready to murder him, Pu- traka asked: Way do you wish to kill mel ?" And they answered: We were employed by your father and relatives, they having given US money" Then Pu- traka said to them, their minds being in- fatuated by the goddess: I will give to you this jeweled ornament of mine, which is without price. Release me, will not inform against you. will go far away" The murderer said So be it," and talk ing the ornament, they departed, and falsely stated in the hearing of the father and relatives that Putraka was dead. Then the Brahmans returned, and while endeavoring to get possession of the sov- ereignty, they were killed by the minis- ters as rebellious minded. For where is the prosperity of the ungrateful2 In the meanwhile the Raja Putraka, faithful to his promise, entered the impenetrable forests of Vindhya, disafected toward his own relations. There, where he wan dered about were two men solely intent upon wrestling with each other, then he asked them: "Who are you?" They said "We are the two sons of Maya Asura, and the wealth belonging to him is ours, this vessel, this staff and these shoes, for this cause we fight, and whoever is the stronger takes them" Hearing this speech, Putraka, smiling, said: or what importance is this wealth to a man ?" Then they replied: "The power to fly in the air is obtained by putting on these shoes, whatsoever is written with this staff that becomes true, and whatso- ever food one sets his thoughts upon, that stands there in the vessel" Putraka having heard that, said: "Why do you fight? Let this bargain be made: Who ever is superior in running, let him take the prize" "Thus let it be-" said those two foolish ones, running. Then Patraka put on the shoes and flew into the air, having seized the staff and the vessel Having gone at once to a great distance, he saw beautiful city named Akarshika. He descended into it from the sky. ''The wicked are prone to deceive, Brahmans are like my father anc relatives, and mer- chants are greedy of wealth, in whose house can l live p Thus thinking, the Raja reached a desolate and decayed house, and within it saw 6 solitary old woman. Putraka consoled her with present, and 90 respected he dwelt there unobserved in the decayed house
 Once upon a time this old wo man very much pleased said to Putraka, "This sad reflection comes to my mind, because yon have not wife such as you deserve. But here is a girl, the daughter of Raja, called PAtali; and she is guarded like jewel in one of the highest inner apartments of the palace" While he listened to these words of the old woman with great attention, the god of love, finding a hsie in his heart. entered by that very path. Putrake said, "I am resolved that this girl shall be seen bv