Thus saying and embracing his feet, the king cried:—“Be gracious, O my lord, ever pitiful to the faithful in distress, and take this trouble on my behalf.”
The king, seeing that the hermit was altogether under his influence, said, “Hearken, O king, I tell you truly there is nothing in the world I cannot do, and as you show yourself in thought, word and action to be devoted to me, I will assuredly accomplish your object for you. The power of magical devices, penance and spells works only when secrecy is maintained. If, O king, I act as cook and you serve, without anyone knowing me, whoever tastes the food so prepared shall become amenable to your orders; and, further, anyone who eats in their house will, I tell you, be in your power. Go now and carry out this scheme: make a vow for a whole year,
The king, seeing that the hermit was altogether under his influence, said, “Hearken, O king, I tell you truly there is nothing in the world I cannot do, and as you show yourself in thought, word and action to be devoted to me, I will assuredly accomplish your object for you. The power of magical devices, penance and spells works only when secrecy is maintained. If, O king, I act as cook and you serve, without anyone knowing me, whoever tastes the food so prepared shall become amenable to your orders; and, further, anyone who eats in their house will, I tell you, be in your power. Go now and carry out this scheme: make a vow for a whole year,