O Pratapabhanu, if you divulge this secret, or if a Brahman curses you, you will be undone. In no other way will you did not even if Brahma and Shankara should be angry with you.”

“It is true, my lord,” said the king, clasping the hermit’s feet. “Tell me, who can deliver a man from the wrath of a Brahman or a spiritual guru? A guru can protect one if Brahma be angry, but in the event of a quarrel with one’s guru there is no one in the world who can save.

May I perish if I do not follow your advice! I am not anxious about that; but there is one thing that I fear; the curse of a Brahman, lord, is something most terrible!

How shall I be able to bring the Brahmans under my power? Kindly tell me that too; for except you, my gracious lord, I have no other friend.”

“Listen, O king,” said the hermit, “there are various expedients in the world, but they are hard to put in practice and are of doubtful issue besides. There is, however, one device very easy to practise, though even this involves a difficulty.

Its contrivance depends on me, O king, but it is impossible for me to go to your city, for to this day from the time I was born I have never entered the house or village of any man.

But if I do not go, your purpose will not be served; I am therefore in a dilemma today.” When the king heard this, he replied in gentle tones, “There is, my lord, a precept laid down in the Vedas: