MERAT. 
227 
“ 0 most holy servant of the great Ram,” said he, 
“ behold the Raja of these dominions has approached 
to pay his reverence. Be pleased to extend to him 
some token of yonr favour, in return for the devotion 
with which he has sought your presence.” 
“ Has the divine Ram recovered the Goddess 
Sita ? ” inquired the holy man, without deigning to 
notice the speech of his pupil. 
u Yes,” replied Gopa Sliahir, “ he recovered the 
goddess, after a desperate struggle with Ravana. 
But these things, most holy father, are of ancient 
date ; for, you have yet to learn that during the 
period of your meditations, the Trita Youg and the 
Dwapur Youg have both passed away ; and, alas ! I 
have to disclose to you that it will now be our 
misfortune to terminate our pilgrimage in the fallen 
age of Kali.” 
u Oh ! horrible, horrible ! ” cried Shri Gooroo, 
covering his face with his hands, and exhibiting 
every indication of intense dismay. a Impossible ! 
I shall never be able to exist in this degenerate age — 
the Kali Youg ! was it not a by- word of infamy ! 
who can survive this fearful misfortune ? Alas ! alas! 
I can only renounce all contact with the world, and 
retire to Kasi,* where the influence of depravity can 
never be felt.” 
On hearing these words, the devout Raja became 
exceedingly distressed, and entreated that the holy 
* The ancient name of Benares. 
