“Being still partly under the influence of the curse, I did not recognise you as my son.  Yet even as a stranger I felt an interest in you, and could not bear the thought of leaving you exposed to danger in such a wild place.  I therefore waited till you were fast asleep; and having considered where I could deposit you while I was gone to meet the goddess, since I could not take you with me, it occurred to me to carry you to the palace of the King of Sravasti, and leave you to sleep there till my return.  I therefore carried you through the air, and placed you in the sleeping apartment of the Princess Navamalika, feeling sure that no one would disturb you there.  I then went to the temple; and after paying due worship to Siva, and receiving the congratulations of my assembled friends, I was dismissed by the goddess, who said:  ’You are forgiven; the curse is ended; go and be happy with your husband.’  After which I returned to the palace; and taking you up, brought you to this place, and laid you, still sleeping, on your bed of leaves.  Since then, I have been watching for your awaking; for as soon as the curse was removed, I knew you to be my son.

“I must now leave you, and go to your father.  I know what passed in the palace; how you have fallen in love with the princess, and her feelings towards you.  Do not despond; before long you will see her again.”

She then warmly embraced me; and saying:  “I go with reluctance, farewell for the present,” she departed.

Having thus found the supposed dream to be a reality, and that the lady whom I had seen was the Princess Navamalika, I was confirmed in my love, and set out for Sravasti, determined, if possible, to see her again.

On the road, I came to a village where there was a large fair and a great concourse of traders.  Various amusements were going on; among others, a cock-fight, which I stopped to look at, and sat down near an old brahman, who was watching the fight with great interest.  On seeing me smile, he asked the reason; and I answered:  “What simpletons some of the breeders here must be to pit a Balaka cock against one of the Narikela breed, which is sure to win.”

With a knowing look, he whispered to me:  “Hush! these blockheads know no better.  I see you are a sharp fellow; sit quiet and say nothing.”  Then he offered me betel and pawn from his box; and we got into conversation.

Meanwhile, the birds fought furiously; and there was much vociferation on both sides; but, as I had predicted, the Balaka cock was beaten.  The old man was delighted at the victory of the other, which was his own.  He seemed to have taken a great liking to me, though our ages were so different, and invited me to his house, where I was very hospitably treated, and passed the night.

The next morning he accompanied me some distance on the way to Sravasti; and said, at parting:  “Remember, I am your friend; do not hesitate to apply to me if there is anything in which I can help you.”