The Poison Tree: A Tale of Hindu Life in Bengal

well stocked with fruit trees and flowering shrubs. In the centre is a tank, upon the edge of which stands a garden-house. Entering a private room in this hou

young man of about five and twenty years of age. Having no hair on his face he looked quite a youth; in feat

eneration to generation there had been lawsuits between the two houses. At length, in an important suit, the grandfather of Nagendra had defeated the grandfather of Debendra, and since that time the Debipur family had been powerless.

desire. Putting happiness out of the question, Debendra perceived that it would be difficult to stay in the house to endure the venom of Hembati's tongue. One day Hembati poured forth abuse on her husband; he had endured much, he could endure no more, he dragged Hembati by the hair and kicked her. From that day, deserting his home, he went to Calcutta, leaving orders that a small house should be built for him in the garden. Before this occurred the father of Debendra had died, therefore he was independent. In Calcutta he plunged into vicious pursuits to allay his unsatisfied desires, and then strove to wash away his heart's reproaches in wine; after that he ceased to feel any remorse, he took delight in vice. When he had learned what Calcutta could teach him in regard to luxury, Debendra returned to his native place, and, taking up his abode

d to thee! Your vehicles, the huka, the pipe, let them ever remain before us. At the mere sight of them we shall obtain heavenly delight. Oh, huka! thou that sendest forth volumes of curling smoke, that hast a winding tube shaming the serpent! oh, bowl that beautifies thy top! how graceful are the chains of thy turban; how great is the beauty of thy curved mouthpiece; how sonorous the murmur of the ice-cool water in thy depths! Oh, world enchantress! oh, soother of the

ottles. Then on that white, soft, spacious bed, a gold-coloured mat being laid, a spirit-stand was placed thereon, and the sunset-coloured liquid goddess poured into the power-giving decanter. A cut-glass tumbler and plated jug se

musicians, and concluded the cere

ndra. Surendra was in every respect the opposite of Debendra, yet the latter was much attached to his cousin; he heeded

rendra asked Debendra,

Debendra, "is the

," said his cousin, "

N

liver out

as be

etter to refrain f

you speak of that? Wine is my co

as not born with you; you can't take it away with

do so have some happiness in prospect, and the

e your life

piness may give up wine; but w

ith tears. Full of love

my sake gi

one but yourself urges me to walk in virtuous paths.

d w

d I will give up drink. Otherwise,

, mentally anathematising