326 BENGALI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE. [ Chap. there was no cure. Every night when others were asleep, she would lie and weep for long hours till her eyes closing in sleep, she sometime dreamt, that her husband had come back, and was speaking sweetly to her. But when morn- ing dawned, she knew no joy, for it woke her up to stern reality taking from her this sweet inter- view. When her neighbours would talk of their husbands, she would retire to her room, with pale face, to hide her tears. The only consolation of her life was her son Crimanta. When she saw him in such distress about his father,—she felt that her heart would break. She was wounded at a vital point and could only cry helplessly without trying to hide her tears. How would she be able to live without her son—a mere lad, who was the only solace of her lonely life! But the boy, though so young, possessed unflinching determination. Khullana, Lahana, Durval4 and other inmates of the house tried all that was in their power to dissuade him from his course, but in vain; and when _ nothing could shake his resolve, Khullang sent informa- ‘he kine tion to King Vikrama Kegari with a piteous a intervenes. presentation of her case and asked his help in bringing Crimanta to his senses. The King readily consented to give his aid in counselling the boy to a right course ; but Crimanta would not touch food and seemed resolved to starve himself if per- mission were not granted him for going. When the But tono king called him into his presence, he could not avail. reply to him, his voice being choked with tears. The It was very difficult to deal with such a head- ee strong boy. Ihullana at last in deep anguish of heart yave him permission to undertake a sea-
