Chapter Thirty Nine

After the victory on the bank of the Ajay, the conquering host gathered about Satyananda and gave themselves up to many a rejoicing. Satyananda alone remained downcast, grieving for Bhabananda.

Hitherto the war-music of the Vaishnavas had been but scanty; yet at that hour, from whence none knew, came thousands upon thousands of kettledrums and naagaras, dhaks and dhols, cymbals and shahnais, trumpets and bugles, ram-horns and damamas, gathering all together. With the music of triumph the forest, the open plain and the rivers were filled with sound and answering echo. When the Children had thus disported themselves a long while in manifold festivity, Satyananda spoke: "The Lord of the Universe hath this day shewn his grace, and the Order of the Children hath prevailed; yet one task remaineth. We must not forget those who could not share our rejoicing — those who yielded up their lives that we might rejoice. Come, let us go and render the last rites to such as lie slain upon the field of battle; and chiefly to that great-souled one who hath won us this victory and given up his breath: come, let us with high solemnity perform the last office for Bhabananda."

Thereupon the company of the Children went forth, crying "Bande Mataram," to the burning of the dead. A great multitude assembled, and chanting "Haribol, Haribol" they brought load upon load of sandalwood and built up the pyre of Bhabananda; and laying him upon it they kindled the flame, and going round and round the pyre they raised the song "Hare Murare." These men were votaries of Vishnu, yet not of the Vaishnava sect properly so called; therefore they burned, and did not bury.

In the forest there remained, seated together, only Satyananda, Jibananda, Mahendra, Nabinananda and Dhirananda, and in secret these five took counsel together. Satyananda said: "The vow for which through all these days we forsook every duty and every joy is now accomplished. In this province there is no Mussulman host left; what remnant remaineth cannot stand a moment against us. What counsel, then, do ye now give?"

Jibananda said: "Let us go forthwith, and take possession of the capital."

Satyananda: That is my mind also.

Dhirananda: But where is the army?

Jibananda: Why, this army.

Dhirananda: Where is this army? Whom dost thou see?

Jibananda: They are resting here and there; let the drum be beaten, and they will surely come in.

Dhirananda: Thou wilt not find one man.

Satyananda: Wherefore?

Dhirananda: They are all gone out a-plundering. The villages now lie unguarded. They will sack the Mussulman villages and the silk factories, and so go home. Not one wilt thou get now. I have made search and come.

Satyananda fell into sorrow, and said: "Be it as it may, this whole province is now in our hands. There is none here that may stand against us. Therefore in the land of Barendra do ye proclaim the Kingdom of the Children. Collect the revenue from the subjects, and gather an army to take the city. When men hear that a kingdom of the Hindus is set up, many a soldier will rally to the banner of the Children."

Then Jibananda and the rest made obeisance to Satyananda, and said: "We bow before thee — O Lord of Lords! If thou give command, here in this very forest will we set up thy throne."

Then for the first time in his life Satyananda shewed forth anger. He said: "Fie! Dost thou take me for an empty pitcher? Not one of us is a king — we are sannyasis. The king of this land is now Vaikunthanath himself. When the city is taken, set the crown upon whose head ye will; but know this for certain, that I will accept no order of life save this — the order of celibacy. Now go ye to your several duties."

Then the four men made obeisance to the Brahmachari and arose to depart. Satyananda then, by a sign unmarked of any other, kept Mahendra back. The three went away, and Mahendra remained. Then Satyananda said to Mahendra: "Ye took oath in the Temple of Vishnu and received the discipline of the Children. Both Bhabananda and Jibananda have broken their vows. Bhabananda hath this day made the atonement he himself confessed; and my fear is ever, lest one day Jibananda also make atonement and cast away his body. But I have one hope: by some hidden cause he cannot die at this present. Thou alone hast kept thy vow. Now the work of the Children is accomplished. The vow was that, until the work of the Children should be accomplished, thou shouldst not look upon the face of wife or daughter. Now the work is done, and thou mayest become a householder once more."

The tears ran down Mahendra's cheeks. He said: "Reverend Sir, with whom shall I make a household? My wife hath made an end of herself; and where my daughter is, that I know not, nor whither I should go to seek her. Thou hast said she liveth. Thus much I know, and no more."

Then Satyananda called Nabinananda, and said to Mahendra: "This is Nabinananda Goswami — a most pure-hearted soul, my beloved disciple. He will give thee tidings of thy daughter." Saying this Satyananda made some sign to Shanti. Shanti understood, made obeisance and took leave; and Mahendra said: "Where shall I meet with thee?"

Shanti said: "Come to my hermitage." So saying Shanti went on before.

Then Mahendra worshipped at the Brahmachari's feet and took his leave, and going with Shanti came to her hermitage. It was now far in the night; yet Shanti, without taking rest, set forth toward the city.

When all were gone, the Brahmachari, alone, bowed himself to the earth, and laying his head upon the ground meditated in his heart upon the Lord of the Universe. The night drew toward dawn. At that hour someone came, and touching his head said: "I am come."

The Brahmachari started up, and with great eagerness said: "Hast thou come? Wherefore?" He that had come answered: "The day is fulfilled." The Brahmachari said: "O Lord, this day pardon me. At the coming Maghi full moon I will fulfil thy command."