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94
JAIN JOURNAL
Saint were not here, I would have been dead by now. In my own monastery there is an antidote for snake bite ; but I could not spot out the herb so far. But this Great Saint plucked that herb, applied it to the place of bite, and the snake-poison vanished from my body. I do not know where Chanda Kaushik has disappeared.
Chullak :
We thought you were dead. My wife sent me here to cremate you.
Shulapani :
Surely that Shulapani who insulted this Great Saint is dead. This is his rebirth.
Indragop :
Praise be to that Saint, who is above all honour and calumny. You showered abuses and insult on him, he gave you life in return.
Shulapani :
Yes, Victory be to this Great Saint.
Chullak :
Your praises are empty hollowness. You have killed innumerable saints, and now you are singing their praises. Even your Chanda Kaushik got tired of your atrocities. He could not bear the insults you showered on such a saint ; and, therefore, he bit you hard.
Shulapani :
(Rises) Now I am alright, as though I was never bitten by a snake. (Falls at the feet of Mahavir Vardhaman]
Indragop:
I knew from the very beginning that he is no ordinary saint.
Chullak :
If he were an ordinary saint, he could not have escaped the ire of Shulapani. My wife's temper is not less than that of Shulapani. I have escaped her temper narrowly every time.
Shulapani :
I did not at first fathom the greatness of this saint. I spoke ill words to him, I insulted him, but he remained absolutely quiet. He never replied to me. But when the snake stung me, he atonce came to my rescue. I am gratified by meeting such a great saint. Hail to you ! Victory be unto you, O Great Saint. I do not know how the venom of the serpent has vanished.
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