________________
99
drivers. While this was going on, an ambassador approached Prince Kanakaratha, who had taken his seat on a throne under a fragrant mango-tree, and said thus to him: Royal sir, my master, Prince Aridamana, thus announces to you by my mouth: "Your entering within the borders of my territory will bring about your death; so, if you feel disposed to fight, meet me face to face; if not, submit to my authority, and return home." When the prince heard this he knit his brows so as to assume a terrible appearance, and gave the ambassador this answer: 'Listen, ambassador! Go and tell that disgrace to his family, your master, that I, the prince, have come to kill him. I am delighted with the hope of combat, and ready armed to meet him, so send your master here at once.' Thereupon the ambassador went and delivered to his master the whole message as sent by Kanakaratha; and when Aridamana heard it, he went with his whole army to fight with Prince Kanakaratha. Then Kanakaratha, hearing from his swift horsemen that he was coming, went out to meet him. When the armies met, a terrible fight took place. At that moment the universe seemed to be all one cry, with the rolling of drums, the gallant shouts of warriors, the trumpetings of elephants, and the neighings of horses. Then the prince, galloping towards Aridamana, said to him: 'Here I am, you frog of the lake of battle, destitute of discernment; now fight!' Having said this, he dashed forward with the swiftness of lightning, and took him prisoner. He took him with him in his camp for some stages, and then let him go. Aridamana thereupon was filled with the spirit of renunciation, and abandoned his kingdom and took a vow; and having observed a conduct without transgression, he attained blessedness in the holy place of the Tirthakara Nami. The prince in his march came to a forest; and on that occasion the forest became like a city, owing to the prince's army settling down and encamping in it. It happened that, while the army was there, some men went out to look for water, and at the time of evening they returned
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
