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fruits, he said to the daughter of the merchant: “Daughter, it is by your power that my wishes have been fulfilled ; now it is time for you to break your fast." Having said this, he got together a company of people and conducted her home amid the beating of drums with great rejoicing. That woman went home praised by all people ; and after supplying the wants of the congregation, consisting of four classes,* she died a death of holy peace, and became a god in Saudharma; falling from that she became a Bráhman's daughter, Vidyutprabhá by name. Maạibhadra also went to the world of gods ; falling from that he became a man, then he died and became the serpent-prince who showed you such tenderness. Because in your former birth, being bewildered by falsehood, you did at first through ignorance do an unrighteous deed - owing to the influence of that deed you were born miserable. Because in a former birth, when living in the house of Maạibhadra, you showed extraordinary piety in accordance with the law of the Jina-- owing to the influence of that you obtained unequalled felicity. Because on that occasion you renewed again by your virtue the garden of the Jina-owing to the influence of that act, you have this garden given you by the god, which always wanders about with you wherever you go. Because in a former life you gave three umbrellas, therefore you are always in the shade. Because in a former birth you gave the implements of worship of the Jina, therefore you have had enjoyments. It is owing to your own religious devotion that the fortune of royalty has come to you. In course of time you will attain salvation.'
When the queen heard this, she fell fainting on the earth, and remembered her former birth, and beheld all her previous existence. At the end of her swoon, the queen said to the holy man: 'Reverend sir, let me separate from the king, and take a vow before you. You ought to remain here until this can be accomplished.' The king, too, said : 'You ought also to wait here until I can put my son on the throne, and come to you to take a vow.' Then
* Monks, nuns, and lay disciples, male and female.
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