Page:Karl Gjellerup - The Pilgrim Kamanita - 1911.djvu/270

 "Thou art a wise woman," said Satagira. "In any case, thy counsel is very good, for that Buddha is said to be the wisest of all men. Although it can hardly have such good results for me as thou dost imagine, I shall nevertheless make the attempt."

"For the results," I replied, "I shall answer with my honour."

"I believe thee, Vasitthi!" he exclaimed, springing up and seizing my hand. "How were it possible not to believe thee? By Indra! thou art a wonderful woman; and I now see how little I was mistaken when, in my yet inexperienced youth, as though obeying some instinct, I chose thee alone from amid the rich bevy of Kosambi's maidens, and did not suffer myself to be diverted from my love by thy coldness."

The heat with which he poured forth his praise caused me almost to repent that I had given him such helpful counsel; but his very next words brought relief with them, for he now spoke of his gratitude, which would be exhaustless, no matter to what proof I should put it.

"I have but a single petition to make, the granting of which will testify sufficiently to thy gratitude."

"Name it to me at once," he cried, "and if thou dost even demand that I should send Vajira with her son back to her parents I shall, without hesitation, do thy will."

"My request is a just, no unjust, one. I shall only prefer it, however, when my counsel has proved itself in the fullest degree to be reliable. But hurry now to the palace and win his majesty over to pay this visit."

He returned fairly soon, delighted that he had succeeded in prevailing upon the king to undertake the expedition.

"Not until Udena heard that the counsel came from