JUDITH GAUTIER

Translated from the French by S. A. B. Harvey

Illustrated by L. H. Smith and S. B. Kite

NEW YORK

DUFFIELD & COMPANY

1916

FOREWORD

(Avant-propos)

We are told by writers of antiquity that elephants have written sentences in Greek, and that one of them was even known to speak. There is, therefore, nothing unreasonable in the supposition that the White Elephant of this history, the famous "Iravata" so celebrated throughout Asia, should have written his own memoirs.

The story of his long existence—at times so glorious, and at other times so full of misfortune—in the kingdom of Siam, and the India of the Maharajahs and the English, is full of most curious and interesting adventure.

After being almost worshipped as an idol, Iravata becomes a warrior; he is made prisoner with his master, whose life he saves, and whom he assists to escape.

Later he is deemed worthy to be the guardian and companion of the lovely little Princess Parvati, for whose amusement he invents wonderful games, and to whom he renders a loving service.

We see how a wicked sentiment having crept into the heart of the faithful Elephant, usually so wise and good, he is separated for a long time from his beloved Princess, and meets with painful and trying experiences.

But at last he once more finds his devoted friend the Princess, and her forgiveness restores him to happiness.

J. G.

FOREWORD TO THE AMERICAN EDITION

My DEAR CHILDREN:—

This Story was written by Mademoiselle Gautier, a French lady who lives in Paris. She is very handsome, and very learned, and is able to write and speak Chinese, which is the most difficult language in the world.

She has also written beautiful tales of Persia, Japan, and other far-away countries.

This Story was meant for French children, but I have made it into English, so that my little American friends can have the pleasure of hearing all about "Iravata" the good and wise Elephant, and his friends, the King and Queen of Golconda, and the charming little Princess Parvati.

Iravata meets with many surprising adventures. At one time he becomes a "War-Elephant," and goes into battle in magnificent armour carrying the King on his back. He fights tremendously, but nevertheless is taken prisoner, and the King, his master, is condemned to death by his cruel enemies. But the clever Elephant finds a way to liberate his Master, and they escape together, and after many adventures reach home safely.

Later on Iravata becomes restless and unhappy, and runs away, and after many wanderings, he joins a Circus. Here he performs many amusing feats. But, growing homesick, he is at last only too glad to return to his home in the Palace of Golconda, where he lives happily ever after.

S. A. B. H.

Atlantic City, 1916.

CONTENTS

Foreword

I.THE STUDENT OF GOLCONDA

II.THE NATIVE FOREST

III.THE TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION

IV.ROYAL ELEPHANT OF SIAM

V.THE DOWRY OF THE PRINCESS

VI.THE DEPARTURE

VII.THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

VIII.BATTLE

IX.THE ESCAPE

X.GANESA

XI.WE ARE TAKEN FOR ROBBERS

XII.PARVATI

XIII.MY PRINCESS

XIV.ELEPHANT GAMES

XV.SCIENCE

XVI.FINE CLOTHES

XVII.THE ABDUCTION

XVIII.RETRIBUTION

XIX.THE HERMIT

XX.DESPAIR

XXI.JEALOUSY

XXII.FLIGHT

XXIII.THE HERD

XXIV.THE BRAHMAN

XXV.THE IRON RING

XXVI."THE GRAND CIRCUS OF THE TWO WORLDS"

XXVII.MY DEBUT

XXVIII.COMEDIAN

XXIX.THE RETURN TO PARADISE

ILLUSTRATIONS

A SPLENDID PROCESSION WAS FORMED AND BEGAN ITS MARCH. I FOLLOWED NEXT AFTER THE KING

TRANSPORTED WITH RAGE I RAN AT HIM, SEIZED HIM WITH MY TRUNK AND DRAGGED HIM FROM THE SADDLE

PARVATI RAN TO HIM, LAUGHING AND QUITE RECOVERED

"WHICH OF YOU HAS BEEN GOOD?" SHE INQUIRED

I UTTERED A SUDDEN ROAR AND AT THE SAME TIME LEAPED TOWARD THE SERPENT

"HE IS WHITE, AND THAT IS ALL THE MORE REASON FOR SENDING HIM OFF"

"OH, IRAVATA! IRAVATA!" SHE SAID IN A LOW VOICE

THE MEMOIRS OF A WHITE ELEPHANT