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46
JAIN JOURNAL
Siddhartha :
And where was the Mayor ?
Girisen :
He was guarding the play-ground of Prince Vardhaman.
Siddhartha :
Fine, the Mayor was guarding the play-ground there ; and carnage was going on here.
Girisen :
Not much damage done. The guards drifted the course of the elephant from the mall to a lonely path.
(Shouts from behind the screen : “Victory unto Vardhaman! Hail, Prince Vardhaman!”]
Siddhartha :
What are these clarion calls of victory ?
Girisen:
I shall find out anon. [Exit]
Siddhartha :
(Aside] The elephant is trampling the people and they are singing praises to Vardhaman. When the Prince was born, prosperity dawned on the kingdom ; and now it is in the grip of an adversity.
(Re-enter Girisen]
Girisen :
Glory be to the Lord. Prince Vardhaman has brought the elephant under control.
Siddhartha :
[In surprise] How, how did it happen. How could the Prince control that mighty elephant.
Girisen:
That, I cannot answer. But I have heard people say that the Prince did bring the elephant under control, handed it over to the Mahout, and directed it back to the stables.
Siddhartha :
[Pleased] Well said, the elephant is back to the stables. (Aside] But how did the Prince reach there, when he was practising marksmanship in the play-ground. I hope he is not hurt. [To Girisen] Please find out the full facts.
Girisen:
So be it. [Exit]
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