42.8: Good for evil

107. Turning now our attention to the kirtan [kirtana], there were heard shouts of joy. The drum and the vina gave out their sweet sounds. The air was filled with the music, while the names of God were being acclaimed aloud.

108. The night was lacking only four ghatikas when the Vaishnavas sang the final hymn of praise, waving incense reverently before the Husband of Rukmini. Sweetmeats were then distributed.

109. Bhanudas made his obeisance to the Haridas and started back to his lodgings. Suddenly he saw a Brahman sitting by the wayside holding a horse.

110. As he was passing by, the horse neighed. ‘How happens it that my horse is here?’ he said to himself;‘I cannot understand it.’

111. Just then the Brahman who had thrown his scarf around the neck of the horse and was sitting by it, holding it, saw Bhanudas and suddenly vanished from sight.

112. As Bhanudas saw this marvel he was overwhelmed within with wonder, but leading the horse along he arrived at his lodgings.

113. Here he found the pedlars weeping aloud. Asking them what the trouble was about, they made full confession to him.

114. ‘We evil-minded wretches sought to do you harm. We threw your bundle of cloth into yonder pit and let your horse loose.

115. When it was the second watch of the night thieves appeared and robbed us of our all. Now to whom shall we go and complain of the ways of destiny?

116. All our horses and bundles of cloth are stolen. We have also received a severe beating. And now it looks as though our business has come to an end.

117. We have lost all our capital. God has protected yours. We threw your bundle of cloth in yonder pit. Let us all now go and take it out.’

118. When Bhanudas heard their story his heart melted. ‘I think,’ he said, ‘it must have been the Husband of Rukmini who was sitting holding my horse.

119. Botheration! All this worldly business is without real value. It is no storehouse for the happiness of the soul. Worthless wretch that I am! I have been seduced.

120. Think of it! That He, fair of complexion, delicate with the eyes of a lover, clothed in the yellow silk robe, Life of the world, in the form of a Brahman should be sitting holding my horse!

121. No longer will I engage in a business that brought weariness to Pandharinath [Pandhari Natha].’ With this repentance in heart he then addressed the pedlars.

122. ‘Let your minds be at rest. Thieves have beaten you, but let not your hearts sorrow.’

123. Then drawing the bundle of cloth oat of the pit he distributed the pieces of cloth among them. Bhanudas further offered to them his horse and his money and then left them.