“By him I was shown some sinners tied to red-hot iron bars, some thrown into great tubs of boiling oil, some beaten with clubs, some cut to pieces with swords; after which my spirit re-entered the body, and I awoke to consciousness, lying alone, grievously wounded, in the forest.

“In this state I was found by some of my relations, who carried me home and took care of me till my wounds were healed.

“Shortly after this I met with the brahman whom I had rescued, and he, grateful for the service which I had rendered him, read to me some religious books, and taught me the due performance of religious rites, especially the proper way of worshipping Siva.

“When he considered me sufficiently instructed, he quitted me, giving me his blessing, and receiving many thanks from me for his kindness.

“Since then I have separated myself from all my former associates, and have lived a life of penance and meditation in this forest, endeavouring to atone for my past sins, and especially seeking, to propitiate the mighty deity who has the half-moon for his crest; and now, having told you my history, I have something to communicate which concerns you alone, and beg you to withdraw with me to hear it in private.”

The two then went aside from the rest of the party, and the stranger said, “O prince, last night, during sleep, Siva appeared to me and addressed me thus:  ’Matanga, I am pleased with your devotions; they shall now have their reward.  North of this place, on the bank of the river which flows through the Dandaka forest, there is a remarkable rock, glittering with crystal and marked with the footsteps of Gauri.  Go thither; in the side of the rock you will see a yawning chasm, enter it and search till you find a copper plate with letters engraved on it; follow the directions therein contained, and you will become King of Patala.  That you may know this not to be a mere dream, a king’s son will come to this place to-morrow, and he will be your companion in the journey.’

“I have in consequence anxiously awaited your coming, and now entreat you to go with me to the place pointed out in the vision.”

The curiosity of the prince was much excited by Matanga’s story, and he readily promised to be his companion; fearing, however, that his friends would be opposed to his purpose, he did not on his return tell them anything of what he had heard, and at midnight, when they were all fast asleep, he slipped away without disturbing them, and went to join Matanga, who was waiting for him at a place which had been agreed on, and the two walked on till they came to the rock indicated by Siva in the vision.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party, uneasy at the disappearance of the prince, sought for him all over the forest, and not finding him, determined to disperse, and continue the search in different countries; and having arranged where to meet again, took leave of each other, and set out separately in different directions.