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The sixty-first chapter of the Pर्व
His heart was filled with sorrow and grief, arising from the loss of all his possessions. People called him a madman, believing his words to be true. || 153 ||
To prove his innocence, he swore an oath in front of the king, though he was far from righteous conduct, as instructed by the Dharma authorities. || 154 ||
Even though he was left destitute, Bhadramitra did not stop lamenting, repeatedly claiming that he had been cheated by this wicked, twice-born Brahmin. || 155 ||
O Satyaghosha, I considered you pure, adorned with all the virtues of a minister, with a noble lineage and other qualities. I believed you to be truly Satyaghosha, a beacon of truth. That's why I entrusted my treasure chest to your care. Why are you changing now? What is the reason for this change, and is it right to do all this? || 156 - 157 ||
What do you lack, thanks to the grace of Maharaja Singhsen? This entire kingdom, including the umbrella and the throne, is yours. || 158 ||
Why are you destroying your Dharma, fame, and greatness in vain? Don't you know the sin of betraying a trust, as mentioned in the scriptures? || 159 ||
This is the fruit of constantly studying the Arthashastra, to constantly deceive others and never be deceived yourself. || 160 ||
Or perhaps you misunderstand the meaning of the word "para" (other). You take it to mean "enemy" instead of "another." So, O Satyaghosha, am I truly your enemy? || 161 ||
What cunning is there in deceiving those who approach you with good intentions? What kind of heroism is it to kill someone who has fallen asleep in your lap? || 162 ||
O Sribhuti, you are possessed by the demon of great delusion. Don't destroy your future life. Give me back my treasure chest. || 163 ||
You know the nature of my jewels, their size, and their lineage. Why are you hiding them like this? || 164 ||
Thus, Bhadramitra would climb a tree every morning and cry out, lamenting his loss. This is right, for courageous and valiant men do not abandon their efforts even in difficult tasks. || 165 ||
Hearing his constant, monotonous cries, the queen thought, "This man always speaks the same words. It seems he is not mad." || 166 ||
The queen revealed this thought to the king, and by playing a game of dice with the minister, she won his sacred thread and his signet ring. || 167 ||
Then, with skillful words, she handed the signet ring to the queen mother, saying, "Give Bhadramitra's treasure chest to him." || 168 ||