Page:Cradle Tales of Hinduism .djvu/269

THE STORY OF PRAHLAD 245 "0 Lord I" said Prahlad, "I don't want long life, or riches, or anything like that 1 But do give mc a love of God that shall never change in my heart, however much other things may come and go around me ; that in the midst of this change- ful world I may cherish unchanging love, for Thee, O Thou Unchangeable 1 This alone is my whole wish 1 "

"Prahlad," said the Lord Krishna solemnly, "you shall be always My soldier and My lover."

Then everything that was beautiful disappeared, for the King's guards had found Prahlad again, and were carrying him once more into his father's presence.

"Who brought you out of the sea?" said the King, scarcely believing his own eyes.

"Krishna/' said the child.

"What name dared you to utter?" said his father, growing purple with fury.

"Krishna's," replied Prahlad.

" Where is this Krishna of yours ? " asked Hiranyakasipu.

Prahlad's eyes opened wide in wonder. '<Why," he said, '< He is everywhere I"

"Even in this pillar ?" said the king mockingly.

"Yes, even in that pillar!" answered his little son.

The King uttered a loud jarring laugh. "Let Him appear to fn€f then," he cried, '^ in whatever form and deed best please Him ! "