-that the great should be kind to the small. Mountains always bear tiny blades of grass on their summits; the fathomless ocean bears floating foam upon its breast, and the earth ever bears dust upon its head.”

With these words the king clasped the hermit’s feet and said, “Be gracious to me, my master! You are a saint, compassionate to the humble; therefore, lord, endure this trouble for my sake.”

Perceiving that the king was completely under his influence, the hermit, clever at deception, said, “Listen, O king; I tell you truly; there is nothing in the world I cannot obtain.

I will surely accomplish your object, devoted as you are in thought, word and deed to me. But the power of Yoga (contemplation), planning, penance and spells works only when secrecy is maintained.

If, O king, I prepare the food and you serve it, and if no one knows who I am, then whoever tastes the food so prepared will become amenable to your orders.

Again, I tell you, whosoever takes food at the homes of such people will, O king, be dominated by your will. Go, king, and carry out this scheme, and take this vow for a whole year.

Every day entertain a fresh company of a hundred thousand Brahmans with their families; while I, as long as your resolve lasts, shall provide the daily banquet.