The Prince and the Thief-Catcher
The Prince and the Thief-Catcher
Adapted from Hindu Tales: An English Translation of Jacobi’s Ausgewählte Erzählungen in Māhārāshṭrī
In accordance with the king’s command, Prince Agadadatta fastened the elephant to the post and approached the royal court with a heart full of misgivings. Before he could even complete his formal bow—placing his knees, hands, and head on the ground in deep humility—the king embraced him warmly.
The prince was honored with betel, offered a seat of distinction, and shown great respect through various gifts and courtesies. With a serene spirit, he took his place beside the king.
The king studied the young man thoughtfully. “This is truly one of the noblest of men,” he reflected. “For modesty is the root of manliness; determination the root of success; virtue the root of blessings; and pride the root of ruin.”
He recalled another saying: “Who paints the peacock so bright? Who gives the royal swans their graceful gait? Who bestows fragrance to lotus flowers and modesty to those born in noble families? These qualities come naturally to them.”
And further: “The ears of rice bend with their weight, clouds hang low with their water, trees bow with their burden of fruit, and noble men bend with modesty—but never from fear of anyone.”
The king, delighted by the prince’s humble demeanor, inquired about his welfare and questioned him in detail regarding his education and training. When Agadadatta, out of modesty, hesitated to speak of his own accomplishments, his teacher spoke up: “My lord, he is proficient in everything.”
“Those of noble character,” observed the king, “are embarrassed when their own great qualities are praised, while others can barely contain themselves even when falsely flattered.”
As the king’s admiration for the prince grew, the people of the city arrived at the palace. They placed before the king fine jewels, elegant garments, fragrant flowers, and fruits—a tribute from a community that had fallen into disgrace. The king handed this offering over to Prince Agadadatta.
Falling at the king’s feet, the citizens began their petition: “Your Majesty, this city of yours, which boasts riches surpassing even Kuvera’s legendary wealth, has become a thief’s playground in just a few days. The city is being robbed by some cunning burglar who is skilled at digging holes into houses. Protect us now—what need is there for many words?”
With harsh words, the king addressed the chief of the city guards: “How is it that while you stand by watching, the entire town is being robbed?”
The guard pleaded: “Your Majesty, we have watched for the thief for many days, yet he has not been seen anywhere.”
At this moment, Prince Agadadatta stepped forward: “Sovereign, give me your orders, and I shall quickly find this city robber. If within seven days I do not capture the thief, I shall burn my own body in flames of fire.”
Upon hearing these bold words and the prince’s solemn vow, the king granted permission and said, “May your desire be fulfilled.”
Having made this pledge and bowing low to the king, the prince began to wander throughout the city, vigilantly watching for signs of thieves. He searched everywhere—in the houses of courtesans, in taverns, in gambling dens, and in the stalls of bakers. He investigated the park pavilions where people gathered for refreshment, the huts of ascetics, empty temples, public squares, market quadrangles, and bazaars. The prince moved alone through all these places, carefully observing the movements of potential thieves.
When the sixth day passed without a glimpse of the thief, the prince became consumed with anxious thoughts. “Should I flee to a foreign country?” he wondered. “Or should I return to my father, taking that deer-eyed maiden with me? Perhaps I should retreat to the wilderness?”
“But,” he reminded himself, “it is unbecoming for someone from an untarnished family to break a promise made with their own tongue.
“Let their heads be cut off, let them be imprisoned, let prosperity abandon them completely—let whatever may happen, happen—but honorable men must keep their promises.
“The true ‘great vow’ is not wearing dead men’s bones as a badge of piety; keeping one’s word is the real great vow of strong-minded individuals.”
Troubled by these conflicting thoughts, the prince found himself outside the city as afternoon approached. He sat beneath a magnificent mango tree, dense with fine shoots, offering cool shade from its towering, mighty boughs. His body was exhausted from the burden of worry as he looked in all directions, like a Vidyadhara who had lost his magical powers.
Suddenly, a wandering ascetic appeared. The holy man wore a red garment and, despite his mostly bald head, maintained a sheaf of hair as a crown-tuft. He carried the traditional three staves, a water pot, and a chowrie fan. In his hands were a rosary of prayer beads, and his lips moved in constant prayer.
[The story continues with the prince’s encounter with this ascetic, who likely holds the key to solving the mystery of the city’s thief…]
