OF THE HINDUS.' , 8S 



The miraculous stone was thrown aside, and when, thirteen months 

 afterwards, Vislinu again visited his votary, he found no use had been made 

 of it: as this expedient had failed, the deity scattered gold coin in places 

 where Rai Das could not avoid finding it : the discovery of this treasure filled 

 the poor Currier with alarm, to pacify which Krishna appeared to him, in a 

 dream, and desired him to apply the money either to his own use or that of 

 the deity, and thus authorised, Rai Das erected a temple, of which he consti- 

 tuted himself the high priest, and acquired great celebrity in his new charac- 

 ter. ' 



The reputation of Rai Das was further extended by its attracting a perse- 

 cution, purposely excited by Vishnu to do honour to his worshipper, the 

 deity well knowing that the enmity of the malignant is the most effective 

 instrument for setting open to the world, the retired glory of the pious : he 

 therefore inspired the Brahmans to complain thus to the king. 



Slolca (Sanscrit stanza). " Where things profane are reverenced, whei:e 

 sacred things are profanely administered, there three calamities will be felt, 

 famine, death, and fear." 



A Chamdrj oh king, ministers to the S diagram, and poisons the town 

 with his Prasad ;* men and women, every one will become an outcast j banish 

 him to preserve the honour of your people. 



The king accordingly sent for the culprit, and ordered him to resign the 

 sacred stone. Rai Das efitpressed his readiness to do so, and only requested 



* The Prasad is any article of food that has been consecrated by previous presentation to 

 an idol, after which it is distributed amongst the worshippers on the spot, or sent to persons of con- 

 sequence at their own houses. 



