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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
454
in the Verandah. Finding seclusion and a young man she was inclined to enjoy sensual pleasures with him. She said gently, "Oh, young man, why have you come here? If you want wealth I shall grant you ample but enjoy with me."
Vankachula said, "I am bound by a vow, and I cannot do so. A Queen, infatuated with youth, decked with ornaments, isolation and request from a woman-all these factors are enough for an ordinary man's downfall: But Vankachula knew well the importance of a vow and he was bent upon not to break it at any cost. So he did not stoop to the Queen's demand. Just watch how a man is guarded when he sticks to his vow.
The Queen irritated on being refused made roaring complaints and the attendants arriving instantaneously tied Vankachula with a rope and produced him before the King.
The Superintendent complained, "Your Majesty, this wretch has entered the harem and has attempted to violate the chastity of the Queen. He deserves deterrent punishment."
Fortunately, the king had watched the entire happening from the adjoining chamber at night and he said, "Release the prisoner. He has of course entered the royal palace but has not attempted to violate the chastity of the Queen. He has acted in the manner befitting a noble soul. I have personally witnessed the incident with my own eyes. I appoint him as the chief of my army."
Vankachula was simply struck with wonder on hearing these words. He apprehended death sentence but was rewarded with enviable post and position. He was convinced that all the miracles were to be attributed to the vows he was maintaining rigidly.
As time passed Vankachula won grace and pleasure of the king. One day Vankachula was attacked with some sort of disease which swelled day by day. No remedies proved efficacious. At last the king made proclamation, "One who will cure Vankachula shall be heavily rewarded."
One old physician having diagnosed the disease of Vankachula prescribed crow's flesh as an unfailing cure.
Vankachula said, "Let my soul pass away from the body, but I would not touch crow's flesh."
