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 191

Juwe, 1986.]
PRIDE ABASED.
159
him yet." He carried the man to his house as After a few months, however, his health fast as he could; and on arrival did everything gave way. Such strict attention to public in his power to recover him. A great fire was affairs was too much for him; and, therefore, the soon got ready, and tea and soup, given. The court physicians advised him to seek relaxajoy of the potter and his wife was very great tion in out-door exercise. So sometimes his when they saw that the stranger was reviving. Majesty went a-riding, sometimes a-shooting,
For some months the stranger lived with and sometimes &-fishing. He got especially these good people and learnt how to make pots fond of the latter amusement. Knowing this, and pans and other articles; and thus helped a fisherman came to him one day and said, "Be them much. Now it happened just then that pleased, your Majesty, to accept this fish the king of that country died (for kings die as which came into my hands this day." The well as other people), and it was the custom of king was delighted to see such a large fish and the people in that country to take for their inquired when and how it had been caught. sovereign whosoever the late king's elephant The fisherman explained everything to the and hawk might select. On the death of king, and manifested such knowledge of, and the king the elephant was driven all over interest in his calling, that his Majesty got to the country and the hawk was made to like the man, and ordered him to be ready at fly here, there, and everywhere, in search of any time to go with him on fishing expeditions, a successor, and it came to pass that before that he (the king) might learn everything whomsoever the elephant bowed and on who- about the art, and be able to land big fish like soever's hand the, hawk alighted he was the one just presented to him. supposed to be the divinely chosen one. So "Your Majesty is very good and gracious, and the elephant and hawk went everywhere, and whatsoever your Majesty commands is accepted in the course of their wanderings came by the of all men as right and proper and just; house of the potter and his wife, who had so but be pleased to listen for a moment to your kindly sheltered the poor stranger that was servant. In my house are two sons, who are found in the stomach of the fish. It chanced that stronger and cleverer than I am. If your as they passed the place the stranger was stand. Majesty will order it, I will take care that they ing by the door,--and behold, no sooner did are always ready to attend on you." the elephant and hawk see him, than the one The king agreed. Whenever he went a-fishbowed down before him and the other percheding, he always took these two boys with him. on his hand. "Let him be king, let him A familiarity sprung up between his Majesty be king," shouted those people who were in and the boys in consequence. His Majesty got attendance on the elephant, as they prostrated exceedingly attached to them, they were so themselves before the stranger and begged
sharp and clever and handsome and good, that him to go before them to the palace."
he finally arranged that they should generally The ministers were glad when they heard be with him, no matter what his occupation. the news, and most respectfully welcomed their | Just about this time the merchant who bought new king. As soon as the rites and ceremonies
the wife of the poor king who had been supnecessary for the installation of a king had posed to be drowned, visited that country for the been fulfilled, his Majesty entered on his duties. purpose of trading. He succeeded in obtaining The first thing he did was to send for the an interview with the king, and opened out all potter and his wife and grant them some land his precious stones and stuffs before him. The and money. In this and other ways, such as king was very much pleased to see these wonjust judgments, proper rules, and kindly no- derful treasures, and asked many questions tices of any and all who were clever and good, about them and about the countries whence be won for himself the best opinions of every they had been brought. The merchant told subject and prospered exceedingly.
him everything, and begged permission to trade This is the only instance I know of hawk sharing Vacant throne by kneeling down and salating the with the elephant the right of selection of the successor
favoured individual as he passes by. Cf. also Foll-Tales to the throne.
of Bengal, p. 100, wherein this custom is mentioned, CH. Wido-awake Stories, p. 141, where the king having "Early in the morning the elephant went about, some rooontly died the kimorod elephant is brought out and all times to distant places, and whosoever was brought on the inhabitants of the place have to march pant it in its back was acknowledged king by the people." of single fille, that the animal may élect some one to the also Wide-asoako Stories, p. 327.