The Enemy Shows Him a Lake
Bala Kanda, Doha 158
Doha 158 · Movement 2 of 2
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The disguised king sees how thirst has reduced Pratapbhanu and leads him toward a lake hidden within the forest. Water appears at last, cool and open after the suffocating maze of trees.
Pratapbhanu enters joyfully and bathes. Dust, heat, and the strain of pursuit release from his body. He drinks deeply, and his exhausted horse lowers its head beside him to take the same life giving water.
Relief arrives through the hand of an enemy whose identity remains concealed. The lake feels like rescue, and gratitude begins to soften every remaining caution. What refreshes the king's body also prepares his trust for the deception waiting at the hermitage.
King and horse drink together while vengeance waits quietly beside the lake.
Read the passage from the Manas
भूपति तृषित बिलोकि तेहिं सरबरु दीन्ह देखाइ। मज्जन पान समेत हय कीन्ह नृपति हरषाइ।।158।।
Seeing the king parched with thirst, the hermit showed him a lake. The king joyfully bathed and drank from it, along with his horse.