“Do one thing for me.  Make a million salutations in my name at my husband’s feet.  I strove to write to him, but I could not; I could not see to write for tears, the paper was spoilt.  Tearing it up, I wrote again and again, but in vain; what I have to say I could not write in any letter.  Break the intelligence to him in any manner you think proper.  Make him understand that I have not left him in anger; I am not angry, am never angry, shall never be angry with him.  Could I be angry with him whom it is my joy to think upon?  To him whom I love so devotedly, I remain constant so long as I remain on earth.  Why not? since I cannot forget his thousand graces.  No one has so many graces as he.  If I could forget his numerous virtues on account of one fault, I should not be worthy to be his wife.  I have taken a last farewell of him.  In doing this I have given up all I possess.

“From you also I have taken a last farewell, wishing you the blessing that your husband and son may live long.  May you long be happy!  Another blessing I wish you—­that on the day you lose your husband’s love your life may end.  No one has conferred this blessing on me.”

CHAPTER XXII.

WHAT IS THE POISON TREE?

The poison tree, the narrative of whose growth we have given from the sowing of the seed to the production of its fruit, is to be found in every house.  Its seed is sown in every field.  There is no human being, however wise, whose heart is not touched by the passions of anger, envy, and desire.  Some are able to subdue their passions as they arise; these are great men.  Others have not this power, and here the poison tree springs up.  The want of self-control is the germ of the poison tree, and also the cause of its growth.  This tree is very vigorous; once nourished it cannot be destroyed.  Its appearance is very pleasant to the eye; from a distance its variegated leaves and opening buds charm the sight.  But its fruit is poisonous; who eats it dies.

In different soils the poison tree bears different fruits.  In some natures it bears sickness, in some sorrow, and other fruits.  To keep the passions in subjection will is needed, and also power.  The power must be natural, the will must be educated.  Nature also is influenced by education; therefore education is the root of self-control.  I speak not of such education as the schoolmaster can give.  The most effectual teacher of the heart is suffering.

Nagendra had never had this education.  The Creator sent him into the world the possessor of every kind of happiness.  Beauty of form, unlimited wealth, physical health, great learning, an amiable disposition, a devoted wife—­all these seldom fall to the lot of one person; all had been bestowed on Nagendra.  Most important of all, Nagendra was of a happy disposition:  he was truthful and candid, yet agreeable:  benevolent, yet just; generous, yet prudent; loving, yet firm