Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 3 1885.djvu/356

 348 FOLK-TALES OP INDIA.

village, where he lived to a good old age, and then passed away to be rewarded according to his deeds.

An analysis and partial translation of this story will be found in The Journal of Philology (vol. xii. No. 23, pp. 112-119), by Professor Tawney, the translator of the Kath A- Sarit-Saciara.

Saccankira Jataka.*

Once upon a time Brahmadatta reigned at Benares and had a son named Prince " Evil," who was cruel and vindictive like an injured snake. His words were always accompanied with abuses and blows. Both to the people inside and outside (the palace) he was disagreeable and unpleasant like dust fallen into one's eye, and an object of terror to them like a flesh-eating demon.

One day, wishing to amuse himself with river sport (bathing), he went with a great retinue to the bank of the river (Ganges). At that instant there arose a great cloud and all the quarters of the sky became dark. He said to his slaves and menials: — Here, I say, take and carry me into the middle of the stream, and when I've done bathing bring me back again."

They took him there, saying amongst themselves, " What good will such a king be to us ? Let us now put him to death in this very place." Then they kept him under the water, saying, '•' Go down here, you imp of evil." After this they betook themselves back and stood on the river bank.

" Where's the prince ?" asked some of the attendants. '• We have not seen the prince ! When he perceived that the cloud was risen he plunged into the water and has probably come to land in advance of us." The ministers made their way to the king, who inquired where liis son was. They made answer, " We do not know, sire, for a great cloud arose (and hid him from our view), so we made our way here thinking he'll have come on before us." The king caused the door (of the palace) to be opened and proceeded to the bank of the river, saying, " Go, search." They made a search in every direction, but the prince

• JataJta Booh, vol. i. No. 73, p. 323.