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1126
JAINA STORIES
The prince could not refuse his benefactress when Adangasena saw that the prince was within her clutches, she tied a thread round his neck and at once the prince turned into a parrot Hiding the parrot in her dress, she took it out to her home. Henceforth, he lived as a parrot during the day and when, at night, the woman removed the thread from his neck, he became a human being enjoying life with her
At this sudden disappearance of his son-in-law, the king was very much worried He sent out bis men to many places to search for him, but all his efforts were in vain Being desperate, at last, the king issued forth a proclamation to the effect that any man giving news of the prince would be rewarded with the whole kingdom and would be married to Sahasrakala, the daughter of the Nagar-seth (town merchant)
One day, the cage of the parrot remained open due to carelessness The parrot flery out. It heard the king's proclamation It flew to the palace gate and said to the people there,
"Tell the king that I am able to give information about bis son-in-law"
The men at once informed the king The parrot was taken before him Everyone present at the court began to listen intently to the parrot who was speaking like a human being The parrot gave a complete account, adding in the end,
"He is still living in the house of Anangasena I have given you information about your son-in-law. Now, as per your proclamation, ob king, you hand over the charge of your kingdom to me and marry me to the daughter of the Nagar-seth "
People were surprised and were looking at the king and at each other Some one said, "How shall the Nagar-seth marry his daughter with a bird ?"
Said a second man.
