Many a legend he told of action and religious duty, and expounded the meaning of dispassion and knowledge. He related at length countless marvellous stories of the creation, maintenance and dissolution of the universe.

The king, as he listened, yielded completely to the influence of the hermit, and proceeded to tell him his real name. Said the hermit, “O king, I know you; though you tried to deceive me, I took it quite in good part.

Hear, O king, it is a political maxim that sovereigns should not declare their names everywhere. When I observed this caution of yours. I conceived a great affection for you.

Your name is Pratapabhanu; king Satyaketu was your father. By the grace of my preceptor, O king, I know everything, but considering it harmful to myself, I refuse to say all I know.

When, my son, I saw your natural simplicity, your love and trust and your skill in statecraft, there sprang up a spontaneous affection for you in my soul, and that is why I told you my own story when you asked me.

Now I am pleased with you; doubt it not, but ask whatever you will, O king.” On hearing these agreeable words, the king was delighted; he clasped the hermit’s feet with many a humble prayer.

“O gracious sage, by your very sight I have within my grasp all the four objects of human desire (viz., religious merit, wealth, enjoyment and final beatitude). Yet, as I see my lord so gracious, I will ask a boon hard to grant and be happy for ever.