Storia do Mogor 281.7.1

281.7.1

Not to lose so excellent an opportunity, the prince caused a golden cow to be made secretly such as would suit his purpose. Then he caused the Brahmans to be sent for, and once more renewed his demands. The Brahmans gave the same answer as before. At this the king put on a look of sadness, but retiring, placed himself in the belly of the golden cow, which stood ready in a large hall close by. All the Brahmans were called in, and then the prince issued from the cow and began to bellow like a calf. They performed on him such ceremonies as are observed for a new-born child, in spite of his being then fifty-two years of age. The Brahmans were much incensed at being thus overreached, and asserted that he was not truly a calf. At these complaints the would-be new-born calf went down on all fours and bellowed louder than ever. In spite of all this they were not satisfied, and they made every effort to evade the claim of this prince. To this intent they set forth divers reasons, to each of which an instant reply was produced. Finally they were reduced to asking that the cow might be sent to the temple where they dwelt. When this had been done, the prince at last obtained what he desired, and enjoyed the privileges of Brahmanhood [20], and after him his posterity likewise.