The hermit-king was delighted to see his ally and rose to meet him. The meeting gave him much satisfaction and he related the whole story to his friend. The demon too was glad and said, “Listen, O king: since you have followed my advice, take the enemy as subdued. Cease to worry now and lay yourself to rest. God has effected a cure without the use of a medicine, I will sweep away the enemy root and branch and see you on the fourth day.” Fully reassuring the hermit-king, the arch-impostor, who was highly irascible, departed. In an instant he conveyed PratŒpabhŒnu to his palace, horse and all. Putting the king to bed beside his queen, he tied up the horse in the stall in the proper way. (1—4)