PREMANANDA 197

The poet, however, must make even the demon a little
attractive. Ravana replies:

Hear my sorry tale. When I see Janakf, I see in her as it were our mother.
My love for her will only be destroyed with my corpse.

At the end, Ravana develops a sanctimonious disposition,
confessing that he is only seeking liberation through death
at the hands of Rama.

VIII

AshffivakrnkhyUna, written in somewhat polished style,
contains excellent verses. The sage, stricken by love,
wanders in a forest in the company of his wife.

The breeze blew softly. A pair of peacocks uttered notes of delight
Inspired by love, they moved about like a sarasa pair. They did not part from
each other, in talk, in food, or in enjoyment. . . Their love grew, as the lady
sang to her lord. On the way, the wind blew, sweet and mild, cool and
fragrant; the youthful bride looked at the full-blown lotus with an anxious
heart.1

Sudamncaritra exhibits great realism. Sent by his wives
to seek help from Krshna, his friend when in school,
Sudama, the poor Brahmana, arrives at the palace. Krshna
rushes forward to welcome SudSma, and his wives bring
"gifts as a ceremonial welcome. The old friends meet, and
touchingly exchange reminiscences of their boyhood.
Sudama presents Krshria with a little rice; and the present
is returned by Sri Krshna a millionf old without his knowing
it. When the poor Brahmana returns to his cottage, he
finds in place of it a royal palace with elephants waiting at
the door. Struck dumb with amazement, he does not

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