A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c8.s3.102

c8.s3.102

"On a subsequent occasion, they attacked a town which was defended by well armed and vigilant inhabitants. As soon as they entered the town the people rose upon and surrounded them, and seizing their leader, and hewing him with a sword, put him to death. The robbers dispersing in all directions repaired to, and reassembled in the wilderness. Discovering that he (their leader) had been slain; and saying, ‘In his death the extinction of our prosperity is evident; having been deprived of him, under whose control can the sacking of villages be carried on? even to remain here is imprudent; thus our disunion and destruction are inevitable:’ they resigned themselves to desponding grief. The individual above mentioned, approaching them, asked: ‘What are ye weeping for?’ On being answered by them, ‘We are lamenting the want of a valiant leader, to direct us in the hour of attack and retreat in our village sacks.’ ‘In that case, my friends,’ (said he) ‘ye need not make yourselves unhappy; if there be no other person able to undertake that post, I can myself perform it for you: from henceforth give not a thought about the matter.’ This and more he said to them. They, relieved from their perplexity by this speech, joyfully replied, ‘sâdhu,’ and conferred on him the post of chief.