Page:Katha sarit sagara, vol2.djvu/19



We worship the elephantine proboscis of Ganesa, not to be resisted by his enemies, reddened with vermilion, a sword dispelling great arrogance. May the third eye of S'iva, which, when all three were equally wildly-rolling, blazed forth beyond the others, as he made ready his arrow upon the string, for the burning of Pura, protect you. May the row of nails of the Man-lion, curved and red with blood, when he slew his enemy, and his fiery look askance, destroy your calamities.

Thus Naravahanadatta, the son of the king of Vatsa, remained in Kausambi in happiness, with his wives, and his ministers. And one day, when he was present, a merchant living in the city, came to make a representation to his father, as he was sitting on his throne. That merchant, of the name of Ratnadatta, entered, announced by the warder, and bowing before the king, said as follows: "O king, there is a poor porter here, of the name of Vasundhara; and suddenly he is found of late to be eating, drinking, and bestowing alms. So, out of curiosity, I took him to my house, and gave him food and drink to his heart's content, and when I had