$9-84] PAD UMAWATI. 41 This is that which calleth me here, and which bringeth me hunger and thirst. If there were no enemy such as this, what unsatisfied desire of aught would any have?' 83. The parrot gave a blessing, promising mighty pomp, mighty prowess, and an unbroken rule. Full of fortune hath God created thee. Where there is good fortune, there beauty standeth reverently in attendance. Some men come to a man in the hope (of obtaining a favour), while he who is without hope sitteth silent on his seat. Others without being asked say their say; and when they speak, their say, as clay, is worthless. When a man is learned and educated, and knoweth the mind-secrets of the Vēdas, then, when he is spoken to, he replieth like unto Saha-dēva.? No learned man praiseth himself, but if he is brought for sale, he desireth to speak; for so long as his virtues are not made manifest, so long no one knoweth the secret concerning them.
- (Therefore say I) "I am a pandit learned in the four Vēdas. Hirā-maņi
is my name. With Padmāvati did I sport, and there used I to serve her." 84. Ratna-sēna recognized Hirā-maņi as a learned bird, and bought him from the Brāhmaṇa for a hundred thousand rupees. So the Brāhmaṇa gave his blessing and departed, and the parrot was brought into the royal palace. How can I describe this parrot's speech ? Blessed be he that first dubbed him Hirā-maņi (or the diamond-jewel). Whene'er he spake, he looked towards the King, and his words were like the pearls of the necklace which has the hearer's heart for its thread. All that he spake was rubies and coral, otherwise he remained silent like one that is dumb. (He would tell tales of love, and), as it were, strike (his hearers) dead, and then would he revive them with words of nectar. He became a spiritual guide, and the whole world became his disciples. He used to tell the tale of the sun and moon, and with the story of passion did he ravish all hearts. All who heard him wagged their heads in admiration), and the King's love for him became unfathomable. (They would cry): So wise a parrot is there not aught other. Whom will he drive distracted ?'4 1 i.e., Thou art not only fortunate but beautiful.
- See note % on p. 40, above.
3 A side reference to Ratna and Padmavati. The tale of the sun and moon seems to mean that he gave lectures in astronomical physics. He used to combine instruction with amusement. + i.e., some day, he will drive some one to distraction with his tales of love. 6
