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VĀSUPUJYACARITRA
Their childhood (209-216)
Five nurses with five (different) tasks 110 cared for him, like ascetic maidens caring for an aśoka that has sprung up in the courtyard. The nurses were not able to catch him as he ran and jumped, going at will, lively as quicksilver. The second Hari grew up, showing his heart daily to father, mother, and elder brother. Vijaya carried him frequently on his hip, heart, back, and shoulder, like a sixth nurse, from love. Dvipṛṣṭha stood, walked, slept, sat down, ate, drank, in imitation of Vijaya, drawn by the charm of affection. At their father's command which was not to be transgressed Sīrin and Śārǹgin acquired the arts easily by means of a teacher at the right time. The brothers, fair and dark, looked like the Ocean of Milk and the Salt Ocean incarnate, whose depths had not been reached. Wearing dark blue and yellow garments, with palm tree- and garuḍa-banners, the boys did not consider at all Taraka's command.
Quarrel with Tāraka (217–275)
111
A spy, who saw their transgression of commands, invincibility, and strength of arm, et cetera, went and told Taraka explicitly: "Your Majesty, the two sons of Dvaravati's lord, excessively proud, do not regard your command, united like Vayu and Agni." Expertness in all the śāstras and attainment of the vidyas existed spontaneously. Strength of arm is their ornament. They should not shine brilliantly compared with you, Your Majesty. Do whatever is fitting. I am a spy.'
110 209. See II, n. III.
111 218. Cf. below, 4. 4. 131.
Tāraka, trembling with anger, the pupils of his eyes twitching, instructed his general, whose strength was unequaled: "First make preparations with your whole heart, soldier, and this very day have the marching-drum,
Jain Education International
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