Page:Katha sarit sagara, vol2.djvu/594

 gamble, said, " I sit out of tins game." Even gods, you see, like feeble persons, are afraid of a thoroughly self-indulgent, ruffianly scoundrel, flushed with impunity. Then that Thințhákarála, being depressed at finding his gambler's artifice baffled by a knowledge of the etiquette of play, was disgusted, and said to himself, " Alas ! I am baffled by these deities through their learning the conventions of gamblers; so I must now flee for refuge to this very sovereign of the gods." Having formed this resolution in his heart, Thințhákarála embraced the feet of Mahákla, and praising him, addressed to him the following petition; " I adore thee that sittest naked* with thy head resting on thy knee; thy moon, thy bull, and thy elephant-skin having been won at play by Devi. When the gods give all powers at thy mere desire, and when thou art free from longings, having for thy only possessions the matted lock, the ashes and the skull, how canst thou suddenly have become avaricious with regard to hapless me, in that thou desirest to disappoint me for so small a gain ? Of a truth the wishing-tree no longer gratifies the hope of the poor, as thou dost not support me, lord Bhairava, though thou supportest the world. So, as I have fled to thee as a suppliant, holy Sthánu, with my mind pierced with grievous woe, thou oughtest even to pardon presumption in me. Thou hast three eyes, I have three dice, † so I am like thee in one respect; thou hast ashes on thy body, 80 have I; thou eatest from a skull, so do I; shew me mercy. When I have conversed with you gods, how can I afterwards bear to converse with gamblers? So deliver me from my calamity." With this and similar utterances the gambler praised that Bhairava, until at last the god was pleased, and manifesting himself, said to him, " Thințhákarála, I am pleased with thee; do not be despondent. Remain here with me; I will provide thee with enjoyments." In accordance with this command of the god's that gambler remained there, enjoying all kinds of luxuries provided by the favour of the deity.

Now, one night, the god saw certain Apsarases, that had come to bathe in that holy pool of Mahákála, and he gave this command to "Thințhákarála, " While all these nymphs of heaven are engaged in bathing, quickly snatch up the clothes, which they have laid on the bank, and