How Can the Brahmins Be Brought Under My Sway?
Bala Kanda, Doha 166
Doha 166 · Movement 2 of 2
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Pratapbhanu reaches the question toward which the false boon has guided him. If the brahmins alone remain beyond his safety, how can they be brought under his control?
He asks Ekatanu for the method with complete dependence. The forest stranger is now addressed as merciful, tender friend of the lowly, and the only true well wisher the king can see.
The desire to honour brahmins has been subtly changed into the desire to command them. Fear of their curse makes control appear like protection, and Pratapbhanu does not notice the turn. Before the concealed enemy, he asks for the very means that will create the offence he dreads.
Seeking safety from a curse, Pratapbhanu asks how sacred authority may be controlled.
Read the passage from the Manas
होहिं बिप्र बस कवन बिधि कहहु कृपा करि सोउ। तुम्ह तजि दीनदयाल निज हितू न देखउँ कोउँ।।166।।
"How may the Brahmins be brought under my sway? Tell me that as well, O merciful one. Save you, O tender friend of the lowly, I see no well-wisher of mine." (Hohin bipra basa kavana bidhi, kahahu kripa kari sou. Tumha taji deenadayala nija, hitu na dekhau kou.)