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## The Fifth Chapter
Once upon a time, the King Mahabala was celebrating his birthday. The occasion was filled with auspicious songs, music, and dances. [1]
The King Mahabala, the lord of the Vidhyadharas, was seated on his throne. Many beautiful women were waving white chamaras, like the color of the ocean of milk, over him. [2]
The young women standing near him seemed like buds of the tree of Kamadeva, or waves of the ocean of beauty, or blossoms of beauty itself. [3]
The King Mahabala was surrounded by many Vidhyadharas, their chests broad and covering the nearby area, adorned with shining crowns. He sat amongst them, shining like Mount Meru surrounded by many mountains. [4]
On his chest, a white garland, shining like the rays of the moon, was draped. It looked like a waterfall cascading down the peak of Mount Himavat. [5]
On his chest, a string of pearls, adorned with Indranila gems, shone brightly. It looked like a flock of swans flying across the vast sky. [6]
At that time, the ministers, the commanders, the priests, the merchants, and other officials were gathered around the King Mahabala. [7]
He pleased all the attendees by smiling at some, conversing with others, offering seats to some, giving gifts to some, honoring some, and looking at others with respect. [8]
He enjoyed the company of learned men, experts in music and other arts, and watched them compete with each other in front of the audience. [9]
He received the ambassadors sent by his vassals, brought by the gatekeepers, and honored them repeatedly with due respect. [10]