Baal Kaanda
33 - The story of king Pratapabhanu
Chaupais
Description
So saying, all the Brahmanas dispersed. When the people of the city received the news, they were much perturbed and began to blame Providence, who had begun upon a swan and produced a crow instead. Conveying the priest to his house, the demon (Kalaketu) communicated the tidings to the hermit. The wretch in his turn despatched letters in all directions and a host of princes hastened with their troops martially arrayed and, beating their kettledrums, beleaguered the city. Everyday battles were fought in diverse forms. All his champions fought valiantly and fell. And the king with his brother bit the dust. Not one of Satyaketu's family survived; a Brahmana's curse can never fail. Having vanquished the foe and re-inhabiting the city all the chiefs returned to their own capitals enriched with victory and fame.