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a god should not be without fruit. For this reason receive these two jewels." Sumitra asked the properties of the jewels. The Yaksha said: “ This, which is a sapphire, if worshipped for seven nights, will give the kingly dignity; this other one, which is a ruby, will give you more provision for the day than you can possibly desire.* You must give the sapphire to the prince.” Sumitra received the two jewels, and then the Yaksha disappeared. Sumitra thought: “How great is the power of the prince's merit, that even the gods assist him in this way!" Then the morning broke, and the two set out on their journey. The prince became hungry, and was preparing to eat some fruits, but Sumitra forbade him. Then, about noontide, they reached the city of Maháçála, and encamped in the park surrounding the city. Then Sumitra made over the sapphire to the prince. The prince said : “What is this ?" Sumitra replied: "Prince, worship this jewel in order that you may become a king.” The prince said, full of astonishment: “How did you obtain this splendid jewel ?" Sumitra answered: “By the power of your merit. When you have obtained a kingdom I will tell you all.” The prince said : “Friend, how can I obtain a kingdom ?" With this thought in his mind, he sat down in the shade of a fragrant mango-tree. Sumitra, for his part, went aside, and worshipped the wishing-jewel, and asked for food for the day. At that moment shampooers arrived. The shampooers respectfully shampooed the two young men with perfumed oil. Then females of celestial beauty approached with fragrant unguents in their hands, and anointed and perfumed the bodies of the two young men. Then they went into a bathing pavilion to bathe, and there they were made to sit on costly golden seats, and were douched by means of pitchers filled with perfumed water by a company of heavenly nymphs. Then they were clothed with magnificent dresses of a cotton material fit for gods. Then the nymphs put flowers on their heads, and perfumed their
* This is the well-known story of Tischchen deck dich.' See my translation of the 'Katha Sarit Ságara,' vol. i., p. 14; vol. ii., p. 627.
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