________________
OCTOBER, 1975
Ist Citizen :
He needs no protection. He can face a thousand elephants alone.
Sumitra :
Where is that elephant now ?
2nd Citizen :
The Prince has directed the elephant back to the stable. As soon as he was quiet, the Mahout came running for him. The Prince alighted from the elephant and handed him over to the Mahout. And the citizens began to chant encomiums and shower flowers on the Prince.
Ist Citizen :
Soon after getting down from the elephant, the Prince ordered the Mayor to attend to the injured.
Verily, the Prince is jewel of a man.
Vijaya : 2nd Citizen :
He stopped that shower of flowers and told the people that it is far more meritorious to serve the cripple and the injured, than to sprinkle flowers on him.
Sumitra :
Where is the Prince right now?
2nd Citizen :
He must be here anon. He told us that his two friends Sumitra and Vijaya must be waiting for him. So you are those two friends of the Prince.
Vijaya :
That is our good fortune. There stands Sumitra and here I am Vijaya. We thank you for the happy tidings you have brought unto us.
1st Citizen :
Au Revoir ! We have to attend to the injured.
2nd Citizen :
Ist Citizen : 2nd Citizen : Both : Sumitra :
Among the injured is my enemy. But once he has been trampled by the elephant, the Prince told me that it was now my duty to attend to him first. So let us leave. We beg leave of you. Victory to Vardhaman ! [Exeunt] These two citizens brought good news. But it is still a marvel, how Prince Vardhaman tamed that mad elephant unarmed.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
