18. It happened that the skirts of the forest whither they went, were full of woods with hordes of treasures, consisting of gold and precious gems, lying hidden under the trees, and also exposed to view. 19. It then turned out that some of the log-bearers, happened by their good luck to espy the brilliant gems, which they took with them to their homes from the forest. 20. Some saw the valuable sandalwood trees, and others beheld beautiful flowers in some place; some found fruit trees somewhere, all which they took and sold for their food and livelihood. 21. Some men of dull understanding, slighted all these goods; and kept collecting the blocks of wood, which they bore to the way side of the forest, and there sold at trifling prices. (Nothing is valued at home unless it is taken to a distance). 22. Among all these wood men, who were employed in common in collection of woods, some of them happened by their good luck, to find some precious gems there, which set them at ease for every care. 23. Thus amongst all of these that had been toiling and moiling in the same field of labour; now it happened to obtain their desired boon the Philosopher’s gem. (That converts all things to gold, and is desired by all but found by few). 24. Now they having obtained the desirable gem, which bestowed upon them all the blessings of affluence and prosperity; they became preeminently happy with their fortune, and remained quite content in the very woods. 25. So the seekers and sellers of worthless wooden blocks, being gainers of the all bounteous gem of their heart’s desire (Chintámani); remained happily with themselves, as the gods dwelling together in harmony in the Elysian field. 26. Thus the Kir woodmen, having obtained their best gains of what forms the pith and gist of every good in the main, remained in quiet and quite content in themselves, and passed their days without any fear or grief, in the enjoyment of their everlasting equanimity and felicity. 27. This world is compared to the wilderness, and all its busy people are as the day-labouring Kiri foresters, daily toiling and moiling in their hard work, for their help of daily bread. Some amongst them are happy to find the precious treasure of true knowledge, which gives them the real bliss of life and lasting peace of mind. CHAPTER CLXXXXVII. ON THE EXCELLENCE OF LEARNING. Argument:--Study of the sástras whether for temporal ends or ultimate bliss tends mainly to the edification of the Mind. Ráma said:--Do thou, O greatest of sages, deign to give me the best treasures of knowledge, as the wood-cutter obtained their precious treasures of the Philosopher’s stones, and whereby I may attain to the full, perfect and indubitable knowledge of all things.