Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 4 1886.djvu/69

Rh spell.) It came to pass one day that while the Bodhisat was sitting on a stone seat in a certain part of the palace-courtyard he resolved to repeat the spell, and did so. It is said that it was not possible to impart the spell to any one, except in a proper formula; he, therefore, repeated it in a convenient spot (where no one could listen). While he was reciting it, a certain jackal lying in a hole heard and learnt the spell. It is said that in a previous state of existence the jackal had been a brâhman familiar with the charm for conquering earth.

As soon as the Bodisat had repeated it, he arose, saying, "Surely! I know this spell now." The jackal, leaving his hiding-place, said: "O, brâhman, I know this spell even better than you do!" When he had thus spoken he scampered off.

The Bodhisat, knowing that the jackal would do great mischief, followed him for some distance, crying out, "Seize (him)! seize (him)!"

The jackal fled and made his way into the forest, and, as he went along, he gave a certain she-jackal a slight nip on the body. "Well, sir!" said she. "Are you acquainted with me or not?" he asked. "I am not," she replied.

He repeated the spell for conquering the earth, and so ruled over many hundreds of jackals, and also brought around him all quadrupeds (elephants, lions, tigers, hogs, deer, &c.)

And, moreover, when he had done this he became a king, Sabbadâtha by name, and made a certain she-jackal his principal queen.

A lion stood on the back of two elephants while Sabbadâth, the jackal king, with his chief queen, the she-jackal, sat on the lion's back, and was highly honoured.

By reason of his great distinction he became remiss, pride arose within him, and he resolved to capture the city of Benares. Attended by all the quadrupeds he came to a place near Benares. (His host extended to the distance of twelve yojanas.) While in this position he sent a message to the king that he should either give up his kingdom or do battle.

The inhabitants of Benares, who were greatly terrified and alarmed, remained within the city, the gates of which they kept closed.