Page:The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago.djvu/198

Rh who flocked to her, out of the alms-bowl in her hand. All his love for her seemed to swell in his heart. Going near her, he addressed her, with a look of passionate and adoring love, “Ah! You siren who has stolen my heart, why do you torment yourself with penance, and lead the life of a mendicant? Dearest maid! tell me why you wish to be a nun?”

“I shall answer thee,” said Manimêkalai who trembled lest her own heart should be weak enough to give way to love for him who was her dear Rahulan in a former birth, “If thou hast profited by the converse of the wise, Listen! Knowing that this body is the seat of suffering: that it suffers in birth, in disease, in old age and in death, I have embraced the life of a nun, what more can a woman tell a valiant prince like thee? If thou feelest the truth of my words, do as thy heart bids thee to do.”

She then entered the hut which had been occupied by the mendicant Kayachandikai, and repeating the incantation by which she could transform herself, she assumed the form of Kayachandikai and returned to the presence of the Prince. He was amazed at the disappearance of Manimêkalai. He searched the hut and not finding her there, he vowed that he will not leave that place till he sees again the dear girl whose sweet speech and surpassing beauty have made him a captive.

A voice proceeding from one of the statues of the temple warned him not to make foolish vows. Udaya-kumara was awe-struck and did not know what further he ought to do to win Manimêkalai. The sun had set and the shades of evening were growing darker. He quitted the temple therefore reluctantly, sighing as his attempt to take Manimêkalai with him was unsuccessful. Being certain that the Prince would not leave her if she appeared in her own form, Manimèkalai determined to continue in the disguise of the mendicant Kaya-cbandikai. She was anxious to continue her work of charity, and deeming it proper that she should not wait till the poor seek her assistance, but should herself search for them and relieve their distress, she went to the City Jail, were criminals were confined. With great pleasure she entered the building where the unhappy prisoners were ill-fed and pinched with hunger: and began to feed them