Note 4 — Chapter CIV

And gradually, as he journeyed on, with the deity for his guide, by a path that led towards the Ganges, he reached the bank of a lake in a neighbouring wood. And there he beheld two young Bráhmans of handsome appearance, sitting at the foot of a tree, engaged in unrestrained conversation. And when they saw him, they thought he was the god of Love, and they rose up, and bowing before him, said, “All hail to thee, adorable god of the flowery bow! Tell us why thou wanderest here alone without that fragrant artillery of thine, and where is that Rati thy constant companion?” When the son of the king of Vatsa heard that, he said to those Bráhmans, “I am not the god Káma, I am a mere mortal; but I have indeed lost my Rati.”4 When the prince had said this, he told his history, and said to those Bráhmans, “Who are you, and of what kind is this talk that you two are carrying on here?” Then one of those young Bráhmans said to him respectfully, “King, how can we tell our secret in the presence of a man of your worth? Nevertheless, out of respect for your command, I will tell our history; give ear!”