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THE RETURN TO MATHURA 191 character of his nephew. And many felt, as the embers of the evening cooking-fires died down, and even the logs that had been set alight afterwards turned to ashes, and the blackness of the forest became filled with the whispers of night — many felt in their hearts that the happiness of those early years was over for them. The great world without had need of the Lord, and the hillsides of Brindaban would know Him no more.

Krishna and Bolarama were driven to the city in state in the chariot of the royal messenger. But on reaching the gates of Mathura they insisted on alighting. They would like, they said, to enjoy the sights of the city in freedom for the rest of the day, and to spend the night with their friends from the forests. They would not fail on the morrow to present themselves at the tournament. Already they were attired in accordance with their true rank, as young nobles about to be received for the first time at court. And as they went about the streets of Mathura, they were everywhere treated with the respect due to them. Thus they made their way to the place which had been prepared for the next day's spectacle.

All round were ranged the seats and galleries for different sections of the spectators. One division had been prepared for the cowherds, another for the royal clan of the Vrishnis, a