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JAINA STORIES
marriage with me. When I sought audience with him to unfold the purpose of my mission, he was pleased to give me leave. After I had suitably done it, the king accepted invitation from Your Majesty and promised to be bere at least two days before the ceremony"
Harıbala added before concluding :
“With great eagerness, he gave me his daughter's hand and bestowed on me this Chandrabasa sword which belonged to him when I was making preparations to return, he lifted both of us up, and sent us hither in a momeot”
Everywhere there was a murmur of praise and joy All spoke highly of Heribala's ability, personality and shrewdness. The solitary exception was the chicf mipister who liad no doubt that the kiog had fallen victim to a humbug So he started hatching another plot against him, and, of course, he had the king's knowledge and consert Hc arranged a reception for the king at Haribala's residence which Harıbala could not decline. On the appointed day, the king arrived with his ministers. Wonderful dishes were served to the guests The king saw the two ladies and his lust was again aflame He was now anxious to invite both of them to the palace
Impending evil changes men's ideas The king again held consultation with the chief minister who suggested that the kiog alone was entitled to the best things in the kingdom. If the king would so desire, Harıbala would have no other alternative but to send the two ladies to the harem
"But he is my friend', said the king “Besides, he has rendered important services to the state It will not be fair on my part to issue such a rude order"
"Your Majesty may again give him an assigoment, more difficult this time than previously and thus get rid of him."
The minister gave bim a plan which was to send Haribala to invite Yama, the King of Death, and Harıbala bad no other alternative but to agree
Harıbala came back home. and narrated the whole thing to his wives He was very sad but the wives consoled him.
