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430
JAİN RAMAYAN
“Dear sirs! Why are you making this announcement ?"
The announcer paused. He looked at Lakshman with fixed eyes and said in a serious voice :
"Oh you great hero! King Shatrudaman, the king of the city is indeed an extraordinary hero. He loves his subjects. Jitapadma is his only daughter. She is the very embodiment of beauty and all womanly virtues. She has stepped on the threshold of youth. In order to find a suitable bridegroom for her the king has made this plan.”
"Well, has not a hero appeared so far who could accept this challenge ?”
"No. No one has appeared so far.” “Well. Take me to your king.” "Surely, I will.”
Lakshman went to the palace accompanying the announcer. The announcer saluted the king and said humbly :
"Your excellency! Hearing our proclamation this hero has come to meet you."
King Shatrudaman looked at Lakshman with fixed eyes. All the courtiers also looked towards Lakshman enthusiastically. Lakshman stood calmly in front of the king.
"Oh you hero, who are you? What's your purpose in coming to our court ?" King Shatrudaman said.
"Oh king! I am a messenger of King Bharath of Ayodhya. I happened to be passing this way when unexpectedly I heard the proclamation made by your officers. I have come here with the desire of marrying your daughter", Lakshman said making his position clear.
"Oh hero! Can you bear with the mighty strokes of my fist ?"
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