Page:Old Deccan Days.djvu/67

 Rh When the Rajah came, he and all his Court were overcome with astonishment; for there, in the midst of the desolate jungle, was a beautiful palace: fountains played in every court, the rooms were richly decorated with thousands and thousands of shining jewels; a light as clear as day filled all the place, soft music was played around by unseen hands, sweet odours filled the air, and in the midst of the palace-garden there grew a silver tree, with golden leaves, and fruit of pearls.

The next morning all had disappeared; but the Rajah, enchanted with what he had seen, remained true to his promise, and agreed to give Seventee Bai the half of his kingdom, and his daughter in marriage; for, said he to himself, 'a man who can convert the jungle into a Paradise in one night, must surely be rich enough and clever enough to be my son-in-law.' But Seventee Bai said, 'I am now employed on an errand of my Rajah's; let me first accomplish it, I pray you, and on my homeward journey I will remain a while in this town, and will marry the Princess.' So they gave him leave to go, and the Rajah and all the great men of his kingdom accompanied Seventee Bai to the borders of their land. Thence the Wuzeer's daughter went on journeying many days until she had left that country far behind; but as yet she had gained no clue to the way to the Rakshas' land. In this difficulty she bethought her of Hera Bai, and played upon the little golden flute. Hera Bai immediately appeared, saying, 'Husband, what can I do for you?' Seventee Bai answered, 'Kind Hera, I have now been wandering in this jungle for many days, vainly endeavouring to discover the Rakshas' country, whither my Rajah has ordered me to go. Can you help me to get there?' She answered, 'You cannot go there by yourself. For a six-months' journey round their land there is placed a Rakshas guard, and not a sparrow could find his way into the country without their knowledge and permission. No men are admitted there, and there are more Rakshas employed in keeping guard than there are trees on the face of the earth. They are invisible, but they would see you; and instantly tear you to pieces. Be, however, guided by me, and I will contrive a way by which you may gain what you seek. Take this ring' (and so saying, she placed a glittering ring on Seventee Bai's finger); 'it was given me by my dearest friend, the Rajah of the Rakshas' daughter, and will render you invisible. Look at that mountain, whose blue head you can just see against the sky; you must climb to the top