I thought I heard in the darkness an elephant drinking water, and I aimed my
arrow as I am a marksman that can aim by sound as well as by sight, and it was my
misfortune and his fate that my arrow struck your son as he was filling his pitcher, with
the gurgling I had mistaken for that of an elephant drinking. Thus, without intending it,
I fatally wounded your beloved son. When I went to the spot and saw him rolling in blood
with my arrow stuck in his breast, I cursed myself.
I was filled with horror and stood not
knowing what to do. At his request I pulled the arrow out to release him from the mortal
pain. He is dead. I have told you the horrible sin I have committed. I throw myself at
your mercy. I await your judgment.' The miserable couples were struck dumb by my
dreadful tale about their son. Tears poured from their sightless eyes and the old man
said: 'King, your sin is indeed great. |
