Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo said,--O
great king! listen attentively, and I will explain the seasons and the
different sports Krishnù engaged in, in the course of them. The hot
season came first, and by its arrival, took away all the pleasure of
the world; and having heated the earth and atmosphere, made them like
fire; but owing to the glory of Krishnù, there was constant spring in
Brindabun. There creepers bloomed on numerous arbours of trees;
flowers of different kinds blossomed, upon which there was the buzzing
of swarms of bees. Kokilas poured forth their notes on the mango
branches, and peacocks strutted about in cool, shady places. A sweetly
scented breeze was blowing, and on one side of the jungle, the retired
Jumna exhibited its beauty. Krishnù and Bulram left the cows, and
were engaged in all sorts of rare sports with their companions, when a
demon, named Purlunt, who had been sent by Kuns, came in the form of a
cowherd. On seeing him, Shree Krishnù said to Buldeo with a
wink--“This is no friend of ours, Bulbeer, this is an evil spirit, who
has come in a disguised form. Let us take measures for his
destruction, we cannot kill him while he is in the form of a cowherd;
when he assumes his own form, do you kill him immediately.”
Having thus instructed Buldeo, Shree Krishnù Jee laughing and calling
Purlunt to him, took hold of his hand and said, “Your appearance is
most beautiful; you are certainly our friend, without any deceit.”
Having thus spoken, and taking Purlunt with him, he divided the
cowherds’ children into two equal portions, taking half himself and
giving half to Bulram Jee, and having made two of their young
companions sit down, he and Bulram began to ask, and explain the names
of fruits and flowers.
In this sport of explanation Shree Krishnù lost, Buldeo won. Then
those who were on Shree Krishnù’s side ran off with the companions of
Buldeo on their shoulders. Purlunt outstripped them all, taking Bulram
with him, and having reached the jungle, he began to increase in size.
Buldeo on this black hill-like (monster,) appeared as beautiful as the
moon in a dark-coloured cloud, and the splendour of his ear-rings was
as dazzling as lightning, the perspiration fell from him like rain.
Having narrated thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja
Pureechit,--O great king! when having got him alone, the demon was on
the point of destroying Buldeo, he killed Purlunt with blows.