Indian Antiquary Vol 15

SR No.: 032507
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: John Faithfull Fleet, Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 446
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 123

APRIL, 1886.]
GULLALA SHAH.
103
Phúl was hoping for this, but she did not wish to betray any special interest in the matter, and so said that the princess could not see the trader, as he had performed a certain wor- ship, and therefore could not see or talk with any woman.
"But why cannot I see the trader?" urged the princess. "I am a good woman and have never seen a strange man. Surely he would not be defiled by my presence."
"He would not see you," answered Pañj Phůl. "If I took you to his room, he would only be angry. He would never show himself to you."
On hearing this the princess. became more desirous than ever of seeing this strange man. She would go alone, she said, and thus no responsibility would rest on Pañj Pho. Panj Phůl said nothing, so the princess went alone and knocked at the trader's door. He did not open it, but answered from within: "I care not to seo any strange womaa; and so cannot let you enter."
The princess, however, would not hear him. “What for?" she said. "I have never seen the face of a strange man. I am a good wo. man. Let me in. I am a good woman, and wish to be married to you. This only is my desire. Why should we not see one another ?"
Being thus pressed the trader opened the door, and they saw each other, and love came with the sight. They talked together for a long time, and the trader showed her all his treasures. Then the princess left, full of affection for the strange trader, and full of amazement at his great and exceeding trea- sure. As soon as she reached the palace she told the king where she had been, and what she had seen, and how she had fallen in love with the man, and wished to be married to him. The king, being a very indulgent and good father, promised to see the man, and the next morning went for that purpose to the ship. When he saw the trader,-how pleasant he was, and of such good speech, and so wise withal,--he too accepted him in his heart; and on reaching home told his daughter so. The princess's joy was unbounded. How much she looked forward to the day! and what great excitement there was in the city at the thought of the approaching marriage ! The wedding took place, and was celebrated with
great grandeur, as befitted the rank and wealth of the king of fairy-land.
For some time Gullil Shah lived within the palace grounds and prospered exceedingly. However, he did not feel altogether satisfied; so one day be told the princess all about himself, --why he had come there, and how he wished to get the flowers and return to his native country. The princess repeated everything to the king, and asked his permission to take the twelve thousand flowering trees and accompany her husband; and to this the king consented. Preparations for starting were at once commenced. Twelve thousand carts were got ready for the twelve thousand flowering trees, and other arrangements were made for tho transport of the treasures, that were given them by the king. An enormous company of troops and elephants, also were placed at the disposal of the illustrious couple. At lengtla the hour of departure arrived. It was a most sorrowful occasion, for they were both very much beloved.
They first visited that country where Gulluli Shih got his first wife. The king was intensely glad to see him, and gave hin a splendid house to live in, and all else that he required. Gullall Shah stayed there for a little while, and then, loaded with more presents, departed. They next went in the direction of Gullâla Shah's own country. It was a long and difficult journey, but they all reached the city walls in safety, and pitched their camp outside the city, thinking that so sudden an adven. of such an immense company (several thousands in all, besides elephants, horses, and other beasts), would much inconvenience the people. When tidings of their coming reached the palace the king was much frightened, and sent for his chief Wazir and other advisers, to ask what he should do to appease this great king who bad now arrived ; " for surely," he said, " great and powerful a king has come here on no other account than for war."
The chief Wazir well considered the matter, and then replied, "O king, send, we pray you, your beautiful daughter, and let her arrange for pence. Who knows whether or not this great king will be captivated by her beauty, and so we be saved ?"
"Alas, alas!" replied the king, "I have already given away my daughter to the man