enquired after.  Gautama, who came here, is without Vedic studies and destitute of Brahmanic splendour.  He has found his way to the abode of my friend.  I greatly fear, that worst of Brahmanas has slain Rajadharman.  Of evil practices and wicked understanding, I read him through by the signs he showed.  Without compassion, of cruel and grim visage, and wicked, that vilest of men is like a robber.  That Gautama has gone to the abode of my friend.  For this reason, my heart has become extremely anxious.  O son, proceeding hence with great speed to the abode of Rajadharman, ascertain whether that pure-souled bird is still alive.  Do not tarry.’  Thus addressed by his sire, the prince, accompanied by other Rakshasas, proceeded with great speed.  Arrived at the foot of that banian, he saw the remains of Rajadharman.  Weeping with grief, the son of the intelligent king of the Rakshasas, ran with great speed and to the utmost of his power, for seizing Gautama.  The Rakshasas had not to go far when they succeeded in catching the Brahmana and discovering the body of Rajadharman destitute of wings, bones, and feet.  Taking the captive with them, the Rakshasas returned with great speed to Meruvraja, and showed the king the mutilated body of Rajadharman, and that ungrateful and singing wretch, viz., Gautama.  Beholding the remains of his friend the king, with his counsellors and priest, began to weep aloud.  Indeed, loud was the voice of lamentation that was heard in his abode.  The entire city of the Rakshasa king, men, women, and children, became plunged in woe.  The king then addressed his son saying, ’Let this sinful wretch be slain.  Let these Rakshasas here feast merrily on his flesh.  Of sinful deeds, of sinful habits, of sinful soul, and inured to sin, this wretch, I think, should be slain by you.’  Thus addressed by the Rakshasa king, many Rakshasas of terrible prowess expressed their unwillingness to eat the flesh of that sinner.  Indeed, those wanderers of the night, addressing their king, said, ‘Let this vilest of men be given away to the robbers.’  Bending their heads to their king, they told him so, adding, ’It behoveth thee not to give us this sinful wretch for our food.’  The king said unto them, ’Let it be so!  Let this ungrateful wight be given to the robbers then without delay.’  Thus addressed by him, the Rakshasas armed with lances and battle-axes, hacked that vile wretch into pieces and gave them away to the robbers.  It so happened, however, that the very robbers refused to eat the flesh of that vile man.  Though cannibals, O monarch, they would not eat an ungrateful person.  For one that slays a Brahmana, for one that drinks alcohol, for one that steals, for one that has fallen away from a vow, there is expiation, O king.  But there is no expiation for an ungrateful person.  That cruel and vile man who injures a friend and becomes ungrateful, is not eaten by the very cannibals nor by the worms that feed on carrion.’

SECTION CLXXIII