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RATNASAR
111
Now' a duel is inevitable to settle it, and, as I can see, one must die. Do you think it will be less sinful ? When I, a god, desire you to do something, where is the question of transgressing the yow ? I have given you a good chance, my dear sır, and you are a fool not to make use of it. You know, you lay on my bed ; you made me rub your legs; and now you dishonour me! This is extremely impertipent and I warn you about the consequence. So long as I am favourably disposed towards you, I can do anything to help you ; but once I am angry, you will find no place where to hide your head."
Ratoasar remained silent The situation being what it was, what else could he do ? This all the more irritated the yaksa. He threatened him again and repeated the threat for the third time. The yaksa now caught him by the hairs and threw him in the sky. As he was falling, he held bim between his hands and said,
"Don't invite sure death by your foolishness. It is not wise to refuse a kingdom. I discharged even menial duties to please you, and you disobey me even on the most coveted offer. Well, this is your last chance So long I did save you because I was favourably disposed towards you, but you deserve no genial treatment, since you have only slight for me So I must now set you right I must hurl you on the yonder rock, as a washerman does with his clothes against an wooden plank You will die a painful death and go to hell."
So saying he brought Ratnasar to the rock-side. But Ratnasar did not waver. With his firmness, he said,
"Do what you please.** Ratnasar has never transgressed bis vow, nor will be do so now He is above fear and greed. No power on earth can make him change his mind.”
Even the power of a divide being breaks before the power of a mighty soul. The yaksa admitted defeat He gave up his disguise and appeared in his celestial form He congratulated Ratnasar for his strength of mind and steadfastness about the vow and said,
