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JAINA STORIES
'I have never thought that you are such a coward. The weak have no right to live on this earth'
"The king closely followed the dialogue and smiled. This did not escape the queen's eyes, who enquired about the cause of his smile, for which there was no visible occasion The king tried to change the topic, but the queen was insistent on a right reply. The king said, 'If I tell you the truth, I die' 'What a nice pretext for not coming out with the truth,' said the queen 'And is that they strength and manliness of which you boast? I am your wife, so to say, your companion in life as in death. You should not hesitate to share your secret with me' The night passed like that
"In the morning, the king consulted with the minister, who said, 'Sire 1 On the one side, the queen's curiosity, and on the other, your own life and also the welfare of the realm The matter is very serious and deserving of proper consideration Considering it from all angles, I feel, you overlook the request of the queen
"The king was in a dilemma What the minister had said was right, and yet he could not just overrule the quean, who was so loving and devoted. Ultimately, the king made up bis mind 'I must fulfil the queen's wishes, come what may, A lady who has declared herself to be a companion at death cannot be overruled Minister 1 You prepare a pyre for me' What could the poor minister do but to honour the wishes of the king ?
"A pyre was lit and the king got ready There tas a vast crowd of ministers, other dignitaries of the state and citizens Their eyes were full of tears,
"Now, it is a common experience that appropriate words uttered at the right moment do not miss the target As the pyre was lit and the king was about to share his secret with the queen, a cart carrying barley rolled down the
