Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said,--O great king! Krishnú and all his party on their return ate their supper in the highest glee, and went to sleep; whilst Kuns, having heard what Krishnù had done, suffered the greatest anxiety of mind; and could not obtain any ease or relaxation of his griefs, whether reclining or standing erect. His mind mourned, and did not communicate its griefs to any one. It is said, as the weevil eats into wood, and no one knows the pain the wood suffers: thus, when there is anxiety in the mind, the understanding, strength and body are diminished. At length, being in a state of great fear, he went into his house, and reclined upon a bed; but he was so alarmed, that he could not sleep. He remained awake during three watches of the night, when he shut his eye-lids, and had a moment’s sleep. Then in a dream he saw, in imagination, the shadow of a body, wandering about without a head. He sometimes bathed naked upon the sand; and then, having eaten poison, rushed about, mounted on an ass. He took up his abode in a burial ground with ghosts, wearing garlands of blood-red flowers. Then he saw trees all round him, on which young children were sitting. O great king! when Kuns had this dream, he was in a state of such excessive agitation, that he awoke; and being occupied with anxious thoughts, rose up, and came forth; and having summoned all his ministers, said, “Go immediately, and have the place of amusement sprinkled over with water, and thoroughly arranged and prepared, and invite Nund and Oopnund, and all the inhabitants of Bruj, and Basoodeo and all the members of the family of Judoo; and invite also all the Rajas, who may have come here. Whilst this is being done, I will come also.” Having received Kuns’ orders, the counsellors came to the place of amusement, and having had it thoroughly swept, and sprinkled with water, they spread silken cloths; and having suspended garlands, and strings of flowers, and flags, and banners, and having caused musical instruments of all kinds to be played, they issued invitations to all. They, who were invited, came and took their seats on their chairs of state. In the meantime, the Raja Kuns came, filled with very great pride, and took his seat on a platform erected for him. The gods, at that time, seated in their chariots, began to look down from the sky. CHAPTER XLIV.