unconscious. At first I remained in a senseless state; then for a moment I was conscious, and then became senseless again. I cannot say how long I remained in this state; I think it must have been two nights and one day. At morning my consciousness entirely returned, and just before it did so, I had a dream. It seemed to me that Bhobani"—and as he spoke the Kapálik's body quivered—"it seemed as if Bhobani came and appeared to me in person. She frowned and chid me; she was saying, 'O wicked one, the impurity of your heart has caused this hindrance to my worship. You have been a slave to your passions so long, and therefore have not worshipped me with the blood of this virgin. This virgin shall destroy the fruits of your former worship; I will never accept any more worship from you.' Then when I cried and rolled at the mother's feet she was appeased, and said, 'Good man! I will give you but one means of atonement. Offer up that Kopal-Kundala as a sacrifice to me; and until you do so, do not worship me any more!'
