In this way, O king, with very little exertion all the Brahmans will be subject to your will. The Brahmans in their turn will offer oblations into the sacred fire, perform sacrifices and practise ritual worship, and thus the gods, too, will be easily won over.

I give you one more sign; I will never come in this guise. By my own delusive power, O king, I will steal away your family priest,-

-and, making him just like myself by the power of my penance, will keep him here for the year; while I, O king, will put on his form and fulfil your purpose in every way.

Now, king, the night is far gone, so you had better retire now; on the third day we shall meet again. By my penitential power I shall convey you home, both you and your horse, while you are still asleep.

I shall come in the form I have told you, and you will recognize me when I call you aside and repeat to you all this tale.”

The king went to sleep in obedience to the hermit; while the hypocritical sage returned to his wonted seat and sat down. Deep sleep came upon the weary monarch, but how could the arch-deceiver sleep, distraught as he was with anxiety.

Then came to him there the demon Kalaketu, who had assumed the form of a boar and led the king astray. A great friend of the ascetic prince, he was skilled in the manifold ways of deceit.