________________
LALITANGAKUMAR
105
to you is that before the next sun-rise, you get out from my kingdom I may, however, permit you to live here on condition that you stop giving alms in future"
The prince returned to his apartment overburdened with thoughts He was to make a choice of the position. Diverse thoughts came to him, but at last, he did not think it proper to obey the king blindly for fear of the trouble he would otherwise be in He took a firm decision as follows:
'It is better for me to live in the forest and face troubles rather than to submit to the unreasonable order of my father'
He took some ornaments with him from the vault, some provisions and departed on horse-back before sua-rise.
Sajjan came to know of the order of the king He also knew that the prince would give up the kingdom rather than give up his charities and principles So he acted speedily and hid bimself in a roadside garden before sun-rise As the pripce rode by, Sajjan followed him from behind Lalitanga did not perceive that After he had gone a long distance, he stopped to rest beside a pond Now, Sajjan reached the spot The prince was very much amazed to see him there He asked him,
"Dear friend ! What brings you here ?" Sajjan replied with a false tone of endearment,
"When I came to know that you have been exiled from the kingdom, I could not remain quiet I have come all the way to help you."
-- "That's very fine. This journey will be a pleasure in your company."
The prince took out his provisions and both refreshed themselves Then they started again The prince said,
"My friend ! Start some topic so that we may not feel the strain of the journey."
- Tell me whether virtue wins or vice"
