47. He now forgot his former pains and sorrows; and his person was as much cooled, as by wearing a necklace of pearls, dropped from the heads of elephants killed by lions. And he was as much delighted at the enjoyment of the luxuries in company with these good people, as a sun-burnt elephant is refreshed, in a lake full of water and forage. 48. He reigned here for sometime in his self-gotten kingdom, having extended his power and mandates on all sides; he ruled the state through the medium of the ministers, and was himself known by the name of Gávala throughout his dominions. CHAPTER XLVI. GÁDHI’S LOSS OF HIS VISIONARY KINGDOM. Argument. Continuation of Gádhi’s Vision:— Vasishtha continued:—Thus was Gádhi surrounded by his courtiers, and attended by his ministers; the chiefs paid their homage to him, and the royal umbrella was raised above his head and the chouri flapped about him. 2. He attained great dignity on seeing his mandates were carried out on every side. He was delighted to learn the state affairs, and to be informed that his subjects were happy and lived fearless within his dominion. 3. The pæans of the panegyrists, made him forget himself and his former state; and the excess of his delight, made him as giddy as if by intoxication. 4. He reigned for full eight years over the Kiri kingdom, and managed himself in an honourable manner all along that time. 5. He was once sitting at his pleasure and without his regal attire in the open air; and was looking at the clear firmament, which was devoid of clouds and darkness, and without the light of the sun, moon and stars. 6. His heart was full with the enjoyment of royal dignity, and did not think much of the trinkets and ornaments, which were loaded upon him. 7. He went abroad at one time in this naked state of his body, and beheld the setting sun bending his course below the horizon from his wonted path of glory. (The setting sun refers to his present state and his impending fall). 8. He saw there a band of chandálas of black complexions and big bodies, singing like melodious cuckoos the approach of the vernal season. 9. They were striking the strings of their wired instruments—lyre, with the strokes of their trembling fingers; as the swarm of sweet sounding bees, shake the tremulous leaves of trees with their fluttering and buzzing. 10. There stood an old man among them, who seemed to be the leader of the band; and appeared with his grey head and ruby eyes, like the mount Meru with his snow covered top and gemming caverns. 11. He accosted the king saying:—How is it, O Kálanjaka! that you came to be here, has the king of this place taken you for his associate on account of your skill in music? 12. Does he take a liking for sweet songsters, as they do for the musical kokilas, and does he load upon them his favours, with presents of household cloths and seats?