and said,—'O Bhimi,[1] your brother asks for lunch'; at the words, how my sad heart bounced up in ecstacy! In my heart of hearts I feel an inexpressible delight. I have been what is called intoxicated with joy. As a man, who has been without food for a considerable length of time, feels an indescribable delight to eat a delicious meal, so my heart of hearts has felt an inexpressible pleasure to drink your sweet words after the lapse of 14 long years. At each display of your kindness, tears of ecstacy trickled down my breast. Oh! how I wished that my unhappy mother had witnessed this display of mercy,—alas! the thought rends my heart. O mother, open your eyes, if for once only, and see that your unfortunate Narayan has found shelter under his father's feet. Mamma, even in your last moments, you were eagerly anxious for your unfortunate child, and said,—'Send master (husband) to me; before I close my eyes for ever, let me reveal to him the sorrows of my mind cherished for these 12 years.' Now, mother, see that the merciful 'master' has been fulfilling your last wishes. O mother, see how father is anxious for you. The more I think of my mother's affection, the more is my heart pierced with grief.
'I consider myself fortunate at what mercy you have already shown to me. I shall now be able to
- ↑ A term of sweet, affectionate address applied to Hemjata by her lovely father.
