Oh, world-enchanting Benares! what happy man could have quitted thee on such an autumn night with satiated eyes?
It is a moonless night.

From the Ganges stream, in whatever direction you look you will see the sky studded with stars--from endless ages ever-burning stars, resting never.
Below, a second sky reflected in the deep blue water; on shore, flights of steps, and tall houses showing a thousand lights; these again reflected in the river.

Seeing this, Nagendra closed his eyes.
To-night he could not endure the beauty of earth.

He knew that Siva Prasad's letter had been delayed many days.

Where was Surja Mukhi now?
.