________________
replied, "Yes, My Lord all but the human head; none would take it even free.'
"Why so?" enquired the Raja with seeming in
nocence.
"Because they are filled with revulsion at the very sight of a human head," replied Yasha.
"Are they revolted at the sight of this particular human head, or would they be filled with aversion at seeing any human head?"
"My Lord, people would shudder at any human head. A man's head, whoever he may be, is bound to give rise to disgust," Yasha kept on replying mechanically. He vaguely suspected what this interrogation was leading to..
"Supposing my head was put out for sale, would people still turn away in disgust from it? Would they shudder even at my head:" persisted the Raja.
Hearing these words, Yasha was struck dumb with fear. What could he say? Drops of sweat gathered on his brow, betraying his agitation.
Priyadarshi pledged his kingly word that no harm would come to Yasha; he enjoined him to tell the truth frankly and fearlessly. He repeated, "Would people find the sight of even my kingly head repulsive?"
"Yes, My Lord," replied Yasha in a hardly audible
83
