" Then Dharma, putting on
The form of a Cha.n.d??la, hastily
Came forward, taking pity on the king.
His countenance was fearful,--black, with tusks
Projecting; savage in his words; his smell
Was foul and horrible; a crowd of dogs
Came after him. "Tell me thy price," he said;
"Be quick; and whether it be large or small
I care not, so I have thee as my slave:"
The king, beholding such a loathsome form,
Of mien revolting--"What art thou?" he said.
"Men call me a Cha.n.d??la," he replied.
I dwell in this same city--in a part
Of evil fame. As of a murderer
Condemned to death, such is my infamy.
My calling is a robber of the dead."
"I will not be a slave," exclaimed the king,
"To thee, a base Cha.n.d??la. Better far
That I should perish by the fiery curse."
The words were scarcely uttered, when the saint
Returned, his countenance with rage
Distorted; and he thus addressed the king:
"The sum is fair; why dost thou not accept
The offer? Then indeed thou mightest pay
The gift thou owest for the sacrifice."
"O son of Ku??ika!" replied the king,
"Consider this, I pray!--my noble race!
Truly am I descended from the sun!
How can I then become, though sore in want,
Lowest of creatures--a Cha.
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