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[14]
“Holes that are horribly alive With poison-lava red As reddest lightning with a power To strike wayfarers dead !
“That serpent has been there for years, His length is packed with ire, And every time he hisses, he Ejects a jet of fire.
"He is unvanquishable, he Is mighty and supreme. ... Nay, do not take the shorter route, Not even in a dream !"
Mahavir pondered for a while.... In silence absolute He stood, then suddenly exclaimed; “I'll take the shorter route ! "'I have a duty to perform, I hope to walk above The serpent's wrath, the serpent's hate, I hope to teach him love, "I hope to make his venom change To nectar beyond price; I hope to teach him deathless life Through love and secrifice. "I'll teach him truth and soon transform His nature--sure, I will ! So, now you know, I've got to go A duty to fulfil !"
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