Gaudavaho

Author(s): Vakpatiraj, Narhari Govind Suru, P L Vaidya, A N Upadhye, H C Bhayani
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 393

Gaüdavaho
big streams of milk flowing out (from her udder ), out of his concern for bearing the heavy load of the Earth ).
855. The Lord of this Earth ( Prthu ), by whom this earth ( was protected ) when she had strayed away in the graceful form of a cow assumed in the wake of chaos and was later characterised by his own name,
856. A comparison even of this (our) King with him (Pșthu ) is no good. Whom would entertain insipid stories of the glorification of those other kings, whom the performance of good (and brave ) deeds has evaded (in their life ).
857. Prosperity, growing in abudance, spoils even those who just equate it (proseperity) with jewellery. The frosty shower, although of similar properties, pales the lustre of the moon.
858. With vain (moha), (flattering) praises ( salāhā), men in authority are so (played upon and ) mocked ( velavijjamti) by rascals that they (begin to ) entertain peculiar notions about themselves, although what actual merits ( they have ) are too patent ( ņivvadia).
859. Acquisition of merits is quite easy for great kings who can be patrons of the men of merits ( saguna ). Whence, however, are merits possible for the poor, by whom ways and means have to be sought (to acquire them ) ?
860. This is the secret of wealth that people, who set their heart solely on finding (ideal) good behaviour (in others ), do not realise themselves straying away from virtues.
861. Men in power cannot bear the (purest ) essence of character (which is too good for them ); nor do they pick up lapses (in others) through proper discrimination. They rest satisfied (nisammamti) listening to (reports of what basically is ) a moral lapse ( dosa ), but is given the form and appearance of virtuous conduct.
862. Man's pure character, howsoever pleasing, dries up (in him), if associated with poverty (avihava) and unrecognised (agahia ) by the society, like a flower growing close on top of the fruit.
863. It is surprising (acchariam.) that kings who are suspicious and vigilant in guarding the ( privacy and ) secrecy of their