236 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
to you and to your subjects. Be pleased to signify 
your pleasure.” 
The Raja and his whole court had listened to 
Apa-ji throughout with earnest attention, and now 
remained suspended in deep amazement, and inward 
joy ; but the Raja soon made known his determina- 
tion to visit the illustrious stranger, with all possible 
pomp, and to implore his blessing. Ere the sun 
was in the zenith, the royal procession, with the 
whole court, attended by the entire army, set forth 
to the cavern ; the royal trumpets sounding in all 
directions, to make known the object of this ado, 
and inviting all persons whatsoever to be present. 
As they drew near the cavern, the numbers swelled 
on all sides to a vast concourse ; such, indeed, as had 
never before been seen in that country ; but the joy 
of every heart was seen reflected in every face, at 
the distinguished honour thus put upon their prince 
by the gods themselves, and at the prospect of wealth 
and abundance which opened to the view of every 
one. The Raja, with his glorious suite, had ascended 
the hill, and now approached the cavern, where the 
wonderful Jogi sojourned. Already penetrated with 
religious awe, but upheld by his zeal, the Raja entered 
the retreat of the holy man, with every demonstration 
of reverence and submission. There he beheld the 
object of his veneration, in a remote corner. He 
paused awhile, and gazed at him in silence. A form 
like that of a statue, rigid and motionless, was seated 
upon the sacred skin of the antelope, with a pitcher 
