MERAT. 
233 
without an ample reward: such, indeed, as shall 
raise you and all your house to comfort and pros- 
perity : but, if you fail me, rest assured that it would 
have been far better for you never to have seen the 
light of day.” 
“ O illustrious Apa-ji ! protector of the friendless, 
friend of the poor, staff of the universe, most potent 
buhkshi” replied the goatherd, “ I am an insignifi- 
cant creature, unworthy of your notice, but your 
devoted slave. Be pleased to do with me whatsoever 
you will ; my life is in your hands, my heart at your 
service. Though my years be many, though my 
hairs be grey, yet am I capable of much labour ; if 
my body be spare, my limbs are powerful, and my 
courage undiminished. Be pleased to command your 
slave.” 
“Hear me, then, O Bukri-Walla! You must 
immediately cast aside this goatherd’s costume, and 
assume the disguise of a Jogi, or penitent devotee ; 
which character I have cause that you should sustain 
for a time. Your person is in every way suited for 
the part. Cast off those rags, bedaub your body 
over with oil and ashes, rub your lips and jaws with 
saffron, and colour your hair with turmeric, and 
upon your forehead paint the sacred symbol Nama. 
In your right hand take a bamboo rod of seven 
knots, in your left a pitcher of water ; and carry 
with you the skin of an antelope, whereon to sit. 
So, in every respect, shall you be mistaken for a Jogi. 
Go then to the great cavern in the side of yonder 
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