Page:The Enchanted Parrot.djvu/46

42

Next morning the king, who was still quite unable to find the answer, sent for the Brâman's daughter and said: " You promised to tell me the meaning of those verses; for I cannot make out what they mean myself." The girl replied: " If you cannot find out the meaning, then listen to me. You have among your soothsayers and wise men, one called Pushpakâra. He is their head. I believe he is a very prudent discreet person. Tell me — why is he called Pushpakâra." The king replied: "He is rightly called Pushpakâra, because when he smiles it seems as if a shower of blossoms fell from his countenance. This was reported to be his characteristic, and so messengers were sent to fetch him to prove the truth of this report about him. When he came he neither laughed nor was there any shower of blossoms that fell from him, and for that reason they call him ' The bond of secrecy.' " The Brâhman's daughter said: " And why did not Pushpakâra laugh? Do you know the reason? " " I haven't the least idea," replied the king. " Then you should make him tell you," rejoined the Brâhman's daughter, " for, it has been said —

" ' A king should gain a kingdom by righteousness;