Page:History of Bengali Language and Literature.djvu/341

 IV.] BENGALI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE. 399 a statue of stainless marble carved in relief against the azure. She wore a crown on her head which shone in the light, the diamonds sparkling with wonderful brilliance. The majesty of her form struck the huntsman dumb. He fell to the ground, bowing down toher in reverence. After this, he _ asked her who she was and what was her mission there. Chandi stood silent without a word. Then Kalaketu said, ‘‘ The home of a huntsman is deemed unholy. The bones of animals lie strewn around it, and it is filled with the smellof rotten meat. For any one, of your position, this is not a fit place to come to. It will require youa bath in the Ganges to cleanse you of your sin, in coming to visit such foul quarters. Why is it, O mother, I ask again, that you have come here ?” Chandi still gave no reply. The hunter continued :— “The world will speak ill of you if you remain in this house ; and infamy, you know, is death to woman. Come with me, leave the house and | am ready to lead you back to your home. But | shall not go alone with you; Phullara will accompany us, and we shall select a path frequented by our friends. In reply to this Chandi uttered not a word, and Kalaketu said impatiently “You are no doubt the daughter of a rich man and a rich man’s wife too. | am only a poor huntsman whose touch is avoided by all. What business can there possibly be that would bring you to my house? I humbly beg that you should leave this house at once.’ But Chandi smiled and did not at all seem inclined to move. Then the huntsman said ‘ Be witness, O setting sun, that this woman means mischief ;’’ and taking his bow he aimed an arrow at her. To his great surprise he 39