The King Clasps the Hermit's Feet
Bala Kanda, Doha 167
Doha 167 · Movement 2 of 2
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Pratapbhanu finishes his plea and takes hold of Ekatanu's feet. The emperor of seven continents lies before the dispossessed king who has clothed vengeance in holiness.
Be gracious, he asks. Bear some hardship for my sake. He addresses the enemy as virtuous, noble, and tender toward the humble, every title revealing how fully appearance has replaced discernment.
The king's dependence is no longer political or physical. It has become devotional. He believes only this sage can secure his life and dharma, so the willingness to serve becomes the instrument through which deception will enter his kingdom.
At his enemy's feet, Pratapbhanu begs the plot against him to enter the city.
Read the passage from the Manas
अस कहि गहे नरेस पद स्वामी होहु कृपाल। मोहि लागि दुख सहिअ प्रभु सज्जन दीनदयाल।।167।।
Hearing this, the king clasped the hermit's feet: "Be gracious, my lord! Bear some hardship for my sake, O virtuous one, O tender friend of the humble." (Asa kahi gahe naresa pada, swami hohu kripala. Mohi lagi dukha sahia prabhu, sajjana deenadayala.)