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XXXIX
THE UPLIFTMENT OF SODAS
"Ah ! dear friend ! How is it you are here? How did you fall into this miserable condition ?” All of a sudden, an unknown person came near him and spoke to him. Seeing that Sodas was in a state of unconsciousness; he came near him; and when he recognized him he was overwhelmed with amazement and anguish; and sat near him. It was he who addressed Sodas thus, in anguish. But how could Sodas give any reply? He lay absolutely unconscious. A little later, thinking of something, he rose to his feet. He fetched fresh water from a nearby lake in leaves and sprinkled it on his face. At the same time, he began fanning him with his upper-cloth. Within a few moments, Sodas recovered consciousness slowly; opened his eyes; and looked around. Then unexpectedly, his eyes fell upon the man who sat near him.
“Anand! Where have you come from ?”
“Yes, dear friend? But who brought you to this miserable condition ?"
"First, I want water. My tongue has become parched on account of thirst. Can we get water here ?"
"Have a little patience. I will fetch water, at once". Saying this, Anand went running and at once brought fresh water in leaves. Placing the leafy bowl containing water in Sodas' hands, Anand went into the forest and brought some medicinal herbs. He extracted the juice of those herbs; and smeared it to the cuts and injuries on Sodas' body. Taking the help of Anand, he got up; and sat leaning against the trunk of the tree. Anand also
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