Chapter Twenty Two

On the following day, within a secluded chamber of Anandamath, three of the dispirited leaders of the Children sat in converse. Jibananda asked of Satyananda, "Maharaj! wherefore are the gods so displeased with us? By what fault have we been overthrown by the Mussulmans?"

Satyananda answered, "The gods are not displeased. In war there is both victory and defeat. On a former day we conquered; this day we have been overthrown — yet the final victory shall be victory indeed. I have firm trust that He who hath these many days shown us mercy — that same Banamali, who bears the conch, the discus, the mace, and the lotus — shall once again be merciful unto us. The mighty vow whereunto we, touching His feet, have devoted ourselves — that vow we must surely accomplish. If we turn back from it, eternal hell shall be our portion. Concerning the welfare that lies before us I have no doubt. Yet, even as no enterprise can be brought to its end without the favour of the gods, so likewise is manly effort needful. The cause of our overthrow is this — that we are unarmed. Against ball and shot, musket and cannon, what shall sticks and spears avail? Therefore is it because the manly effort on our part hath been wanting that this defeat hath befallen us. Our duty now is this — that neither shall we be wanting in the like weapons of war."

J. That is a most difficult matter.

S. A difficult matter, Jibananda? Being a Child, hast thou suffered such a word to pass thy lips? Is there any difficult task for a Child?

Satya. The wife and daughter of Mahendra.

Bhabananda started. Then he understood that the woman whom he had brought back to life by his physic was Kalyani, the wife of Mahendra. Yet for the present he thought it not needful to disclose the matter.

Jibananda said, "How came Mahendra's wife to die?"

S. By taking poison.

J. Wherefore did she swallow poison?

S. The Lord had laid upon her in a dream the command to lay down her life.

Bh. Was that dream-command laid upon her for the furtherance of the Children's work?

S. So I heard from Mahendra's own lips. The hour of eventide is now upon us; I go to perform the evening rites. Thereafter I shall set myself to initiate the new Children.

Bh. The new Children? How — besides Mahendra, doth any other have the boldness to seek to become your own disciple?

S. Yea, one other new-comer. I had never before set eyes upon him. He hath come to me only this day. He is a young man of very tender years. By his bearing and his speech I have been exceedingly pleased. Pure gold he hath seemed to me. The charge of teaching him the duties of the Children shall rest upon Jibananda. For Jibananda is right skilful in winning the hearts of men. I go now, but I have yet one counsel to lay upon you. Hearken thereto with all attention of mind.

Then the two, with hands joined together, made answer, "Command us."

Satyananda said, "If ye twain have committed any fault, or if ye commit any before I return, perform not the penance thereof until I am come. When I come, the penance must needs be performed."

So saying, Satyananda departed unto his own place. Bhabananda and Jibananda looked into each other's faces.

Bhabananda said, "Is it not upon thee?"

J. So I believe. I had gone to my sister's house to leave Mahendra's daughter.

Bh. What harm in that — that is not forbidden — hast thou had speech with the lady?

J. So, methinks, doth the Master deem.