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Citrasenapadmavatiçaritra
before Citrasena. So he made up his mind to narrate the whole incident even at the cost of his life. (323–345 )
With a firm determination, he began to tell the yakşa's prophesy and as he passed froin one incident to the other,his body coinmenced turning into stone from the feet to the head. As soon as the narration ended, Ratnasāra fell on the ground completely petrified. (346–59)
At this the king repented and lamented the loss of his dear and wise friend, Ratnasāra. Finding no remedy to escape from the pangs of separation, he decided to commit suicide, Padmavatī, however, dissuaded him from committing suicide, saying, "The cowards alone resort to suicide under a difficulty; the wise try to overcome it by other means. I am sure that if we begin giving charity to the poor, the Brahmans, the monks and others, among them, there may come some one who could restore your friend to life. Our object will then be fulfilled.” The king agreed to this and opened up his treasures to charity, but
