Page:Stories of India's Gods & Heroes.djvu/136



HERE lived once a noble monarch, named Satrujit, that is, "conqueror of his foes," as in truth he was; and he had a son named Ritudhwaja, who was in every way worthy of such a father, being victorious in war and eminent alike in power of mind and in beauty of person.

This prince lived a life rich in study as well as in the pursuit of pleasure. At one time he would give himself to mastering the sacred scriptures, or to studying the science of war in all its branches; at others, he drank the joys of poetry, singing, drama, and dicing, and disported himself in the practice of every kind of weapon. In these various pursuits he enjoyed the companionship of many young princes, his equals in the warrior caste; while youthful Brahmans also, and the noblest of those of lower degree, found a welcome with the king's son.

Then it came to pass that two young Nagas, sons of Aswatara, a noble prince among the snake-gods, came from the lower regions to visit the world of men; and, assuming the guise of Brahman youths,