In answer to this she told me all the arrangements of the palace, and added:  “The Queen Kalpasundari, the daughter of the sovereign of Kumara, is exceedingly beautiful and accomplished.  She despises her husband, who is exceedingly ugly; but though unkindly treated, and neglected, she has hitherto been faithful to him.”

Hearing this, I said to her:  “Whenever you have an opportunity, dwell on the king’s licentiousness; find out, if possible, his scandalous amours; make much of them; tell her how other women have behaved in similar circumstances; in short, do everything to stir up her indignation and jealousy against him; and, as soon as possible, let me know what she says.  You may help me greatly in this affair; therefore be diligent and observant, and be as much as possible with your mistress.”

Then I said to the old woman:  “You must also play your part.  You can be introduced to the queen as a woman skilled in charms and fortune-telling.  When you get her to listen to you, make the most of the opportunity, and second your daughter’s endeavours.”

They both promised to do their utmost.  After they were gone I took a small house, close to the wall of the royal gardens, and waited patiently for the result.

After some days the old woman came to me, and said:  “Darling, we have done exactly as you wished.  The queen has taken a great fancy to me, is very indignant with her husband, and thinks herself greatly to be pitied.  What is now to be done?”

I then painted a portrait of myself, and said:  “Show this to the queen; she will no doubt admire it, and say:  ’Is this a portrait or a fancy picture?’ Then do you answer:  ’Suppose it should be a portrait of some living person; what then?’ And whatever she says in reply let me know as soon as possible.”

The next day she came to me again, and said:  “When I showed your portrait to the queen, she gazed at it a long time, and seemed lost in admiration; then she exclaimed, ’Who can have painted this?  Is it possible that such a handsome man can exist in the world?  Surely there is no one here like this!’ I answered, ’O lady, your admiration is quite natural, such a handsome man is very rarely to be found, but still there might be such a one; and if this should be really the portrait of a young man, longing to see you—­not only thus handsome, but of good birth, very learned, accomplished, and good-tempered —­what would you say then?’ ’What would I say?  I say, that if he will be mine, all that I can give him in return, myself, my heart, my body, my life, will be all too little.  But surely you are only deceiving me; there never can be such a charming person as this picture represents.’