Kathakoca or Treasury of Stories

SR No.: 016059
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: C H Tawney
Publisher: Oriental Books Reprint Corporation New Delhi
Publication Year: 1975
Total Pages: 288
Language: English
Classification: Dictionary & Dictionary
File Size: 15 MB

Page 163

137
by the loss of Sumitra. For three nights she refused nourishment; no wealth came from her jewel; then she became still more depressed, and, though she was admonished by her aged mother, she did not give up her attachment for Sumitra. So Ratisená said to the old
hetœra:
"Though pain embrace my terrified body, my speech is certain, and my opinion is this:
No other man even comes near Sumitra in nobility.
I will immediately enter the fire. I will never again love any man except Sumitra." She remained resolute in this intention which she had formed.
'Now, one day, as Ratisená was sitting at the window, she saw Sumitra beautifully adorned. So she went out in haste and politely conducted him into her house. She showed him great affection. Then the old hetara said to Sumitra: "My dear fellow, where have you been absent these many days? From the day on which you left our house, this daughter of mine has been in danger of her life, on account of losing you." Then Sumitra said to himself: "Ah, she has again planned a piece of treachery, so I will remain some time in her house, otherwise I shall never get the jewel out of her." Having thus considered, he remained in the house of the hetera. After some time had passed, Sumitra said one day to Ratisená: "My dear, I will show you an extraordinary marvel if you will not be angry." She said: "Show me that marvel." Then Sumitra turned Ratisená into a female camel, by employing the collyrium as before described. Then he went himself to his own house. Meanwhile, when the maid came to call Ratisená at meal-time, she looked, and lo! there was no Ratisená, but a female camel. Then she was terribly frightened, and said to all the attendants: " 'Undoubtedly our mistress has been devoured by a Rákshasa; otherwise, without the intervention of a Rákshasa, how could a female camel get up into this palace ?" Then the attendants came there also, and every one of them was astonished, and