Baal Kaanda
33 - The story of king Pratapabhanu
Chaupais
Description
The whole fatigue was gone and the king heaved a sigh of relief. The hermit thereafter took him back to his hermitage; and perceiving that it was sunset now he gave him a seat and then spoke to him in polite terms, "Who are you and wherefore do you risk your life by roaming in the forest all alone, even though you are so young and handsome? Reading the marks of an emperor on your person I am moved with great pity." "Listen, O great sage: there is a king named Pratapabhanu; I am his minister. Ranging in pursuit of game I have lost my way and by great good fortune I have been led into your presence. Your sight is a rare boon to me; it leads me to believe that something good is about to befall me." The hermit said, "It is now dusk, my son; and your city is five hundred and sixty miles away.