I begged her to assure the princess that I was even more anxious to see her, and had come to Sravasti solely from the hope of finding her.

“If your friend is disposed to favour me,” I continued, “beg her to wait patiently a few days; I will arrange a plan which will enable us to be together in her apartments, without danger to either of us.”  To this she agreed, and having taken leave of her, I went back to the village where the old brahman lived, whom I had met at the cock-fight.  I found him at home, and delighted to see me.  After I was rested and refreshed, he asked me, “What has brought you back so soon? is there anything in which you require my assistance?”

“There is,"’ I answered, “a very important affair, in which you can materially assist me.  The King of the Sravastans, Dharmavardhana,[8] whose character corresponds with his name, has a very beautiful daughter.  By an extraordinary chance, I have seen and fallen in love with her.  I have reason to believe that she was equally struck by me, but know not how to contrive a meeting between us without your help; will you therefore assist me?”

“What is your plan?” he asked, “and how can I be of service in carrying it out?”

“My plan is this,” I replied.  “I will dress as a woman, and pass for your daughter; and you are so clever and ready-witted, that I think you will be able to get me into the palace as a companion to the princess, and even to manage so that she shall become my wife.”  Then I told him how I thought this might be accomplished; and he quite approved of what I proposed, entered into it with great spirit, and promised his ready co-operation.

Accordingly, the first day that the king was sitting in public to administer justice, the old man approached, followed by me dressed as a woman, walking modestly behind him, and bowing down to the king, he said:  “My lord, I have heard of your great beneficence, and how you are the father of all your subjects, the protector and friend of the helpless; I am therefore come to ask a great favour.  This girl is my only daughter.  Her mother died soon after her birth.  I have brought her up, and she has never left me; but I am desirous now to be relieved of this charge and to see her well married.  A long time ago, she was engaged to a young brahman, who went to Oujein, to study there, and acquire the means of supporting a wife and family.  I have been expecting his return for some time, but have heard nothing of him; I am, therefore, very uneasy on my daughter’s account, and purpose to go to Oujein, and find out whether he is alive or dead.  I cannot leave my daughter alone, and have no friend or near relation with whom I can place her.  Will your majesty deign to allow her to remain under your protection until my return?”

To this the king graciously assented, and I was received into the palace, where I soon found means of letting the princess know of my disguise, and was taken into her apartments as one of her immediate attendants.