After some time, however, I began to reflect:  “Though my position now seems quite secure, yet, after all, I am a foreigner here, and when the first burst of admiration is over, people may perhaps begin to ask, ’Who is this stranger who has come among us in such a mysterious manner? and what is he that he should thus lord it over us?’ And it occurred to me that if I could make friends with an old and much-respected minister, named Aryaketu, so as to trust him entirely, he might be of great assistance to me.”

Before, however, making any overtures to him, I desired Nalijangha to try him secretly and ascertain his feelings towards me.

My agent, therefore, had many interviews with him, and tried to persuade him that it was not for the good of the country that a stranger and foreigner should occupy such an important position, which ought rather to be held by a native, and that it would be very desirable to get rid of me.

To all this Aryaketu answered:  “Do not speak against so good a man, and one of such wonderful ability, endowed with such great courage, generosity, and kindness.  So many good qualities are rarely found united in one person.  I esteem the country very fortunate in having such a ruler, and am convinced, that through him the King of Asmaka will one day be driven out, and our prince established on his father’s throne.  Nothing shall induce me to plot against such a man.”

After hearing this from Nalijangha, I tried the old minister in various ways, and seeing no reason to doubt his fidelity and attachment, I gave him my full confidence, and found him a most useful friend.

With his advice and assistance, I was able to appoint efficient officers in every department.  I encouraged religion and punished heresy; I kept each of the four castes in their proper sphere, and without oppressing the people, I collected a large revenue, for there is nothing worse than weakness in a ruler, and without money he cannot be strong.

[Here the story breaks off abruptly.]

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LITERAL TRANSLATIONS.

Page 244.

My Lord, I, having a common cause with my friends of wandering, saw among the Suhmans, in the outer park of a city called Damalipta, a great festal crowd.  There, in a bower of Atimukta creepers, I saw a certain young man amusing himself with the sound of a lute.  I asked him “Worthy sir, what is this festival called? on what account is this beginning, through what cause do you stand in solitude, accompanied (only) by your lute, as if out of spirits, not having done honour to the festival?”