of her led him to think that she would prove a desirable member of
the Raya's household.

"He proceeded to Beejanuggur and being introduced to the roy, spoke
in such praise of the beauty and accomplishments of the young maid,
that he was fired with the desire of possessing her, and entreated
the bramin to procure her for him of her parents in marriage. This
request was what the bramin earnestly wished, and he immediately
agreed to satisfy him; upon which the roy despatched him with rich
gifts and great promises of favours to the parents, and the title of
ranee, or princess, for their beautiful daughter. The bramin lost no
time in his journey, and, upon his arrival at the farmer's house,
delivered to him and his wife the roy's orders, that they should
repair to Beejanuggur with their daughter. The parents were overjoyed
at such unexpected good fortune, and calling for the young maid, laid
before her the rich gifts of the roy, congratulated her on being soon
to be united to a great prince, and attempted to throw upon her neck
a golden collar set with jewels, as a token of immediate espousals,
and which, if done, could not have been broken off.

"The beautiful virgin, to their great astonishment, drawing her
neck from compliance, refused to receive the collar, and observed,
that whoever entered the harem of Beejanuggur, was afterwards not
permitted to see even her nearest relations and friends; and though
they might be happy to sell her for worldly riches, yet she was too
fond of her parents to submit to eternal absence from them, even
for all the splendour of the palace of Beejanuggur. This declaration
was accompanied with affectionate tears, which melted her parents;
who rather than use force, dismissed the bramin with all his gifts,
and he returned, chagrined and disappointed, to Beejanuggur....