plan of sending him to the block and compassing his own safety. NARAYANAN proves himself to be a courageous soldier, who could face death calmly and cheerfully. Even under the sentence of death his behaviour was collected and comely. He did not lose the balance of his mind or the equanimity of his temper. He says "வெருவிலேன் சிறிதும் வேந்த நின்விதிக்கே". His last advice to his soldiers exhorting them to do their duty to the best of their ability and to be loyal and obedient to authority is what is expected of his noble character. His attachment to JIVAKA, the foolish sovereign who wanted to deprive him of his life, continues up to the very last. In his blind affection for his royal friend he does not judge JIVAKA harshly. I may even say that his judgment goes a little astray deflected by his warm friendship (IV.ii. 100-106). NARAYANA too shows signs of having a penchant for a religious philosophy (V.iii. 156-7). He is also imbued with a deep faith in the ultimate victory of righteousness. In dispersing the soldiers who were prepared to start a mutiny for averting his execution he impresses on them the final and assured victory of truth (IV.iv. 253-5). MURUKAN doubts this dictum because KUDILA, with all his untruths, succeeds (IV.iv. 258-260). To this NARAYANA gives a calm reply and exhorts MURUKAN to wait awhile and witness the end (IV.iv. 261). Now most, if not all, men of thought know that evil in its nature is weak and unstable and must sooner or later give way before the forces of good. NARAYANA has this bracing hope in him and his attitude stands vindicated by events.

Paladeva

It will not answer poetic justice to leave KUDILA without a trouble and torment gnawing at the core of his heart. PALADEVA has been created by the poet expressly for that purpose. The villain could command himself. He could also command his dependents and adherents by flattery, present or threat. But how could he control his own son - the flesh of his flesh and the bone of his bone? If his friends, companions and servants misbehaved he would not be touched; but not so the misbehaviour of his son. It would reflect disgrace on himself as on that son. PALADEVA is depicted as a shameless, heartless libertine who has been sowing his wild oats to his heart's content and to the infinite suffering of his fond father KUDILA. He is described as caring little for money, spending it in a lordly fashion on the objects of his lust. His direction, "இச்சிறு பொற்றொடி மைச்சினிக்குக்கொடு" shows with what easy wantonness he could scatter the fortunes of his hard working father. And as if to add insult to injury he abuses his father in language whose vileness is shocking: "பணம் பணமென்று ஏன்பதைக்கிறாய் பிணமே". To my mind, KUDILA who seemingly escapes punishment for his misdeeds, has found his greatest punishment in this undutiful son. PALADEVA creates practically the Hell for KUDILA and few can envy the lot of the latter surrounded as he