118 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
and nearer they pressed, even to the lofty brazen 
gates, through whose richly wrought lattice -work 
glimpses were gained of gardens rivaling the famed 
paradise of Ahmedabad, of silver fountains, amid beds 
of roses, of stately trees starred with gorgeous blos- 
soms, through which the soft winds careered joy- 
fully, filling the atmosphere with perfume ; while 
ever and anon clouds of birds, glittering like winged 
gems rose into the air, and strains of divine music 
came faintly and at intervals on the ear. 
" All gazed and marvelled, and ardently desired to 
explore the secrets of the mysterious abode, and revel 
in its garden of delights, hut no small degree of 
courage was required to essay this hold though tempt- 
ing adventure. The citizens, young and old, 
gathered in knots, and held sage and long discussions 
on the matter ; hut a superstitious awe possessed all 
their hearts, and throughout seven days only curious 
glances and anxious wishes were directed towards 
the palace of Khoob-soorut. 
" At length a youth named Bhudroo, of noble birth 
and gallant spirit, hoping to win both wealth and 
fame if he accomplished the adventure, stole from 
his home at the first peep of dawn and ascended the 
hill crowned by the palace. The brazen gates un- 
folded at his approach, and stepping over the threshold 
he seemed at once to breathe a new and delicious 
atmosphere, the very air was perfumed, and the 
flowers shed rays of light from their rainbow-tinted 
