MERAT. 
285 
returned to the royal palace, and failed not to attend 
at the second audience. When all the chiefs were 
assembled, performing the salaam with marked 
respect, he thus addressed the Raja 
“ O most powerful and merciful of monarchs ! I 
am the bearer of great news ; (be my reward suit- 
able !) and claim pardon for interrupting your wise 
council. Behold the day has arrived, whereon the 
gods, delighted with your excellence and innumerable 
virtues, have chosen to reward you with their 
extraordinary protection and favour. While I am 
now speaking, a wonderful prodigy exists within 
your kingdom, and at no great distance from your 
royal palace. Within the great cave upon the hill 
side, a penitent, of inconceivable sanctity, has taken 
up his abode ; having, without doubt, descended 
from the dwelling-place of the divine Yishnu. 
Steeped in profound meditation upon the perfections 
of the great Para-Brahma, he is wholly insensible 
to all terrestrial objects ; taking no other nourish- 
ment than the air he breathes. I have had evidence, 
that none of those objects which affect the senses of 
ordinary persons, make the slightest impression 
upon him ; in fact, it is apparent that the mortal 
body alone of this sanctified being exists upon this 
earth ; while his soul, his thoughts, all his affections, 
are absorbed in divinity. We cannot doubt, but 
that the gods, in sending him to visit your kingdom, 
design for you an unequivocal proof, in the eyes of 
all the world, of their peculiar favour and love, both 
