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Subuddhi was terrified. But then, he calmed down when the snake said, “Don’t you

remember me? I am your friend.You had helped me out of the well. I have come to

help you.” Subuddhi told him what the goldsmith had done. “But I warned you about
him. Didn’t I?” said the snake. “Yes, but I took pity on the man. I should have listened

to you. And tomorrow, I will going to be killed.” The snake thought for a while. Then
he said, “I have an idea. I will creep into the queen’s room and bite her. My poison will

make her faint. She will stay unconscious no matter what they do to cure her. You will

then come and cure the queen by laying your hand on her forehead. The king will be
pleased and he will pardon you.” Subuddhi liked the idea.

In the morning, the king found the queen lying unconscious on the floor. The king
summoned all the doctors. One by one, they came and tried pills, spells, incantations,

herbs, potions, lotions and ointments. They tried powders, balms and prayers but

the queen did not open her eyes. Everyone was saddened by the news. Finally the
king declared that anyone who could cure the queen would be given a huge reward. “I

can cure the queen,” Subuddhi said to his guards. The king hesitated a little, but then
decided to give it a try. So Subuddhi was brought to the queen’s chamber. The queen

looked more dead than alive. Subuddhi placed his hand on her forehead. Immediately,

the queen opened her eyes and sat up.
How was Subuddhi able
to cure the queen?

134 Arrow-English Plus-5