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brilliance. I am like a fellow of the expert in the sastras, the Vedas, etc., like a superior teacher to the skilled in archery, etc., like Viśvakarman in person in every craft and business, like Sarasvati in the form of a man in the arts, singing, etc., like a father to merchants in the jewel-trade, etc., like a teacher to bards, etc., in eloquence. What a trifling art is crossing the water of rivers, etc., to me! However, I have come to you to demonstrate sorcery.
For I will show you at once a row of gardens; I am able to reverse the seasons, spring, etc. I can make a concert by a band of musicians appear in the air, and I can instantly appear and disappear in a twinkling. I will swallow charcoal even of acacia-wood like grits. I will chew darts of hot iron like cocoanuts. I can assume another form-that of water-animals or land-animals, or birds, one or many, at another's wish. I can attract and draw the desired object even from afar. I can change the color of objects immediately. I am able to show other miracles at once. After you have seen the high degree of my skill in the arts, make it fruitful.'
The king said to the man who had paused after promising so much, thundering like a cloud:
'Like a mountain dug up by the roots to pull out a mole, like a broad pool dried up to catch fish, etc., like a garden of mango trees cut down for fuel, like a moonstone destroyed for a handful of powder, like devadüşyacloth torn up for a bandage, just like a temple unpegged for the sake of the pegs, how much is the soul, resembling pure crystal, suitable for acquiring the highest truth, wounded by you, alas! by your improper science! Destruction of the mind takes place in those looking at improper science such as yours, just as in those suffering from the diseases of the three humors. You are a petitioner. Take as much money as you like, since no one's hope is destroyed in my house.' Then the man, addressed by the king in such a harsh manner, always considering himself a man, restrained his anger and said:
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