Baal Kaanda
33 - The story of king Pratapabhanu
Chaupais
Description
Himself assuming the form of the family-priest, the demon went and lay down on the former's sumptuous bed. The king woke even before daybreak and felt much astonished to find himself at home. Attributing the miracle to the supernatural power of the sage, he got up quietly, unperceived by the queen. Mounting the same horse he rode off to the woods without any man or woman of the city knowing it. When it was midday, the king returned; there was rejoicing and festal music in every house. When the king saw his family-priest, he looked at him in amazement, recollecting the object he held so dear to his heart. The interval of three days hung heavy on the monarch as an age, his mind being set on the feet of the false anchorite. At the appointed time the priest came and reminded him in detail of all that had been agreed upon