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Tales from Indian Mythology
family priest, Vasishtha, you may succeed in winning the heart of Tapati.”
"I have won her heart. It is her hand that I am trying to win. And it would be easier for me to invoke Tapati than the sage Vasishtha. He does not seem to care for me these days.. Otherwise he would have enabled me to regain my throne."
"Your Majesty! I may be wrong. But I feel the great rishi is still on our side. It is we who do not seem to care for him. Arranging Tapati's marriage to you would be child's play for him. I may be a fool, but a fool need not necessarily be foolish all the time. There are moments in his life when he talks not only sense but the essence of it. So Your Majesty must condescend to give a chance even to fools."
"Amatya, let us part for the present. I shall see you again with fish and fruit. In the mean time, take a rest in your nest."
"Yes, Your Majesty has correctly described my present condition. I am old and senile and all that I need is a little rest in my nest. Old men, it is said, are like children. And the words of children are the words of Brahma." Samvarana did not bother to reply. The prime minister bowed to the king and went his way pottering about.
All of a sudden, Samvarana saw a dazzling glow in the skies. Even the Sun looked comparatively anaemic and seemed to envy its brilliance which momentarily blinded Samvarana's eyes. But when he opened them, lo ! he found Tapati seated beside him. Pointing to the picture of her on the tree amusedly, she asked : "Who is she supposed to be ?”
"Whoever she may be,” observed Samvarana, "she is alive, as far as I am concerned. No one in the world is dearer to me than she."
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