26
The Self-made Archer
So the princes went and told Drona, and he came back with them to the shrine in the forest.
"How say you," said Drona, "that you are my pupil?"
"Because I have taught myself to shoot, thinking only of you and your great skill in shooting."
Then said Drona, "If you are my pupil, give me the fee due to a Master."
"Most gladly," said Ekalavya, a great joy in his face. "Ask what you will. I have nothing I would not give with all my heart."
"Is that true?" said Drona. "Well then, I ask the thumb of your right hand."
And Ekalavya, allowing no look of sadness to spoil his gift, cut off his thumb, without a word, and laid it at the feet of the Master-Archer. But
