mind to the consideration of this difficult affair, and
can now point out a certain way to success.

"The evil spirit by whom the princess is possessed cannot bear the
sight of you in your present form, and therefore breaks out into fury
when you appear. If your body can be changed, he will no longer be
offended, and will immediately depart; there is no other way by which
he can be driven out. I have therefore so prepared this lake that if
you bathe in it in accordance with my directions, you will acquire a
new and beautiful body acceptable to the lady, and she will no more be
troubled with the evil spirit.

"You must therefore come here at midnight, and having stripped
entirely, swim out into the middle of the tank, and there float on
your back as long as possible. Presently a rushing noise will be
heard, and the water will be troubled, and dash against the bank. As
soon as the commotion has subsided, come forth; you will find that
your body has become younger, stronger, and improved in every respect;
and when you return to the palace there will be no further difficulty
or obstacle on the part of the princess, who will immediately undergo
a change in her feelings, and will long for your society as much as
she now abhors it. All this is quite certain; you need not have the
smallest doubt; but if you think proper, before deciding, consult your
ministers, and be guided by their advice. If they consent, first
worship the gods and propitiate them with offerings, make large
donations to the brahmans and the poor, and come here to-night at the
appointed time. That there may be no danger from alligators or
concealed enemies, let the tank be thoroughly dragged with nets by a
hundred fishermen, and place a line of soldiers all round it with
torches in their hands a few steps from the water; with these
precautions no possible harm can happen to you."

The enamoured king, very anxious for the expulsion of the supposed
demon, and fully believing that I had the power to perform what I had
promised, went away well pleased, and immediately consulted his
ministers. They seeing how eager he was, and not anticipating any
possibility of danger, readily approved of the proceeding.

Having obtained their consent the king returned to me, and finding
that I was about to depart, earnestly entreated me to stay, saying
that half the pleasure of success would be taken away if I were not
there to witness it; but I answered that there were urg