18 
The Bengali Poem, Candi. 
Of eligible sons-in-law Janardan then recounts the list. 
But none are worthy of the prize; each is found wanting and dismissed. 
“ Of all the merchants of renown on either side of Ganges’ stream, 
Like Dhanapati none I find—in wealth, rank, virtue, none like him. 
Ujani is his native place, the foremost merchant of the land, 
Pious to brahmans and to gods, like Kama liberal of hand; 
Truthful and just in all his ways, of dramas fond and poetry; 
Lives not on earth the son-in-law worthy of Khullana but he.” 
The father heard with gladdened heart the praise of such a paragon: 
“ Arrange the marriage if you can, forthwith secure him as my son.” 
Meanwhile, concealed behind the door, his wife o’erheard the conference; 
Little did she approve the scheme, and vehement was her dissidence. 
“How could you ever give consent or waste your breath with such a man? 
I will not sell my child like this—was ever such a monstrous plan ? 
What’s all your boasted learning worth? it only makes you more a fool; 
Think of my giving up my child to bear a hated co-wife’s rule! 
Lahana’s tempers and her storms—’t is not your learned books can show ; 
What your own brother’s daughter is, who half so well as I can know ? 
A foolish thing is this you’ve done; you’ve heaped disgrace upon your head ; 
How will you show your face abroad or bear the taunts which will be said ? 
I’d rather tie her round my neck and plunge with her in Ganges’ wave, 
Than give her thus to misery, a hated co-wife’s drudge and slave. 
Oh do not listen to the scheme, nor let your judgment be beguiled; 
With such a tigress in the house, what would become of our poor child ? 
Khullana’s like a gentle fawn, and would you for a flattering tongue 
Tie such a noose round foot and neck, and do your daughter such a wrong ? 
Give her the husband she deserves, so shall our daughter’s heart rejoice, 
You shall gain merit by the deed, and men will praise you with one voice.” 
u It cannot be,—the astrologers have read the story of her life, 
’Tis written in her horoscope that she must be a second wife.” 
The mother feels her last appeal is spent, 
And gives reluctantly a sad consent. 
This hindrance smoothed, the father next in haste 
Invites the future bridegroom as his guest. 
He spread a bright red blanket for his seat, 
Water one brought, another washed his feet. 
