Therefore, friend, give me your permission. I will go. Karataka said - My blessing to you. May your path be auspicious (i.e., I wish you godspeed). Do as you desire. Damanaka then repaired into Pingalaka's presence like one amazed. Now, being respectfully received into his presence by the king, he prostrated himself before him, touching the ground with the eight parts of the body, and sat down. The king said - You are seen after a long time. Damanaka replied - Although Your Majesty has nothing to do with me as a servant, still a follower must necessarily attend upon his master when the time demands it, and hence have I come here. Moreover, Great lords have occasion even for a blade of grass serving as a toothpick or as an ear-scratcher. What to say, then, of man who is gifted with speech and hands!