Baal Kaanda
33 - The story of king Pratapabhanu
Chaupais
Description
Your name is Pratapabhanu; king Satyaketu was your father. O king, by the grace of my preceptor I know everything; but foreseeing my own harm I refuse to tell everything I know. When I saw your natural straightforwardness, affection, faith and political wisdom, I conceived a spontaneous affection for you; and that is why I told you my own story on your asking. I am now pleased; doubt not and ask what you will, O king." Hearing these agreeable words, the king rejoiced and, clasping the hermit's feet, supplicated to him in many ways. "O gracious sage, by your very sight I have within my grasp all the four ends of human existence (viz., religious merit, wealth, enjoyment and final beatitude). Yet, as I see my lord so gracious, I would ask a boon which is impossible to attain otherwise, and thereby overcome sorrow.