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278
SÛTRAKRITÂNGA.
their husbands about like slaves to fulfil their craving. (15) -
When a son, the reward (of their wedded life), is born, (the mother bids the father) to hold the baby, or to give it her. Thus some supporters of their sons have to carry burdens like camels. (16)
Getting up in the night they lull the baby asleep like nurses; and though they are ashamed of themselves, they wash the clothes like washermen. (17)
This has been done by many men who for the sake of pleasures have stooped so low; they become the equals of slaves, animals, servants, beasts of burdenmere nobodies. (18)
One should not mind the entreaties of women, but abstain from their friendship and company. These pleasures which are derived therefrom are called causes of blamable actions. (19)
Restraining himself by the thought that these dangerous (pleasures) will not be to his benefit, a monk should abstain from women, and commit no unnatural crime 3. (20)
A wise and learned monk whose soul is in a pure condition (Lêsyâ), will abstain from doing work for others; in thoughts, words, and actions he will bear all troubles. (21)
The hero (of faith) who has vanquished sin and delusion, has said all this. A monk, therefore, whose soul is pure (and free from sins) should wander about till he reaches final liberation. (22) · Thus I say.
Silânka gives a specimen of a lullaby without meaning and metre. 2 Hamsa, explained ragaka. 3 No itthim no pasum bhikkhů no sayapâninâ niliggeggâ.
4.
