________________ 78 Siri Sirivalakaha Then they (lit. those people i.e. the soldiers) informed Dhavala about him (ie, Siripala ) who was possessed of 32 auspicious marks on the body; and Dhavala again obtained the order of the king for capturing him. (395) . (And then) that Siripala, though he was sitting in the market ( or forum ) in a pleasant mood, was suddenly surrounded by the soldiers of Dhavala who had weapons drawn up (ready) in their hands. (396) (And they said:) " Oh, oh, come on quickly; to-day, the merchant Dhavala has become exasperated with you. You will be given in oblation to a god; do not say that we did not tell you (so). (397) The prince replied: " Oh, oh, give oblation by (offering) that animal in the form of Dhavala; have you ever heard anywhere that anybody gives oblation by (offering) a lion? " (398) : Then the soldiers tried to show some strength, but hearing the roaring noise (lit. roaring of a lion) produced by the prince, they ran away like a crowd of jackals. (399) The king also boing impelled by Dhavala sent his own army; but that too was defeated by the prince in no time (lit. in half a moment). (400)
