106 IN THE VISION OF GOD
" Vagabonds and frauds are abroad, pretending to be
sanuyasis and gadhm Beware of them! Only dull-headed
people run after them, make much of them and eventually
fall an easy prey to their wiles and machinations."
Ramdas was not any the worse for a fresh baptism of
abuse. God so willed it and he submitted, his equanimity
undisturbed.
(ii) A. Wonderful Transformation
Two days later, there was another dinned arranged by a
pious merchant of the place. In those days Ramdas was
mostly on milk-diet and would take a little food once in
two or three days, along -with the devotees at their dinner
party. On this occasion also the brahman Ramdas had been
invited. But he failed to turn up at the appointed time-
All the guests waited for his arrival. He was, however, not
to be seen. The merchant started to fetch him and after a
search found him, "but could only persuade him to attend
the feast after a great deal of entreaty. At last he
came. His face was charred; his looks were haggard and
eyes sunk in their sockets. It was evident that envy was
fast consuming him. On seeing him come Eanidas felt
really glad and asked the merchant to serve him first.
"No, no," he shouted, "I am not going to take any
meals today. I have vo-wed to fast."
Bamdas begged of him to take at least some sweets. He
pondered for awhile and, to the infinite delight of Ramdas
and all, consented to have sweets. Accordingly, some
sweet balls or ladoos were placed before hinu Eamdas
requested all the guests not to start eating until the
brahman had commenced to eat. He had about three or
four ladoos. All hail, 0 God of love, Thou hast at last
triumphed!
It was observed that, the brahman did not feel quite at
ease. The Madness and love offered in return for harshness
and hate on his part almost overpowered him. He left the