The next day she showed the picture to the king, who greatly admired it, and asked her where she had got it.  She told him:  “I have lately made acquaintance with a very wonderful old woman, who has travelled over many countries and seen many strange things; she is very skilful in charms, and has brought me this picture, saying:  ’It has very great magical powers, and so confident am I in their efficacy that I ask for no payment or reward until you have fully proved them.’  She tells me that if certain ceremonies are performed, and mantras which she has taught me, are recited in a retired spot at midnight, I shall be changed to a person exactly resembling the portrait, and shall have the power of transferring that form to you while I regain my own shape.  I have thought it right to tell you this; but do not act hastily:  show the picture to your ministers and consult them.”

The king, greatly astonished, but very desirous of obtaining such a handsome body, asked the opinion of his counsellors and younger brothers, and they saw no reason why the experiment should not be tried.

The hour of midnight on the day of full moon was therefore appointed for the ceremony, and there was much talk in the city about it.

“O the wonderful power of magic!  Through the skill of the queen, the king will obtain a new body fit for a god.”

“But is there no danger?”

“How can there be danger when the ceremony is to be performed by his own queen, in his own private gardens, where no stranger can enter?  Besides, have not the learned and clever ministers and counsellors approved of it, and is it likely that they would be deceived?”

The city was full of such talk as this, and the people awaited with impatience the night appointed for the working of the miracle.

When the time arrived a great heap was made in a part of the garden where four roads met, not far from the summer-house, with large quantities of sandal-wood, lignaloes, and other sweet-smelling woods, camphor, silk dresses, sesamum, saffron, and various spices; and several animals, duly slaughtered by the priests, were laid upon it; and the fire having been lighted, every one withdrew except the king and queen.  She then said to him:  “You know how faithless you have been to me, and with this handsome body you will be a much greater attraction to other women.  I know the fickleness of your disposition.  Can you expect that I will confer on you this beauty for the sake of my rivals?”

Then he threw himself at her feet, and said “O my darling, forgive my transgressions.  I swear by everything solemn that in future I will keep to you only, and not even think of any other woman.”

After these and many other protestations, she appeared to be satisfied, and said:  “Now withdraw to that clump of trees, and stay there till I ring the bell; then you may come again to the fire and see the wonderful change in me.”