________________
129
woman will not be satisfied with a small gift.” So on an auspicious day he propitiated that wishing-jewel, and by virtue of that jewel he was enabled to give her enormous wealth. The hetæra was pleased, but out of avarice asked again for money. Sumitra, by virtue of the jewel, gave her abundance. As fast as the hetæra asked for wealth, Sumitra supplied it. Then, one day the hetæra said to herself : “ Surely he must possess a wishing-stone, else how could he have the power of giving so much? So I will get possession of that stone.” One day, when he was engaged in bathing,* she took the jewel from his garment. When Sumitra looked for the jewel, he could not find it. He said to himself: “Surely that hetæra has taken the jewel.” So he asked her. Then she feigned anger and said to Sumitra : “I want no more of your gifts ; but do not cover me with false reproach in the presence of my hired servants." When Sumitra heard this, he said to himself: “There can be no doubt that she has taken the jewel; otherwise how could she utter such a contumelious speech, as if she had got all she wanted ?” Then Sumitra left her house. He was so ashamed that he did not dare to tell the king ; so he went to another country. Sumitra said to himself: “Oh, how foolish I was to be cheated by a mere woman! Now I must, somehow or other, think of a device for doing her some injury. Moreover, in that way I shall exhibit my own valour : *“ For out on the manliness of that man who is not able To recompense the benefaction of benefactors and the enmity of
enemies !" Roaming in another country engaged in these thoughts, he beheld a great city + adorned with splendid gardens, forts, and temples. When he beheld the delightsomeness of the city, he was much pleased; but when he entered into the city he observed that it was altogether deserted. He saw troops of monkeys gibbering joyfully in the temples; he saw tigers roaring in all the houses, and serpents hanging
* Literally, sitting down in the act of bathing.
+ Indívarasena finds a similar city in the Katha Sarit Ságara,' vol. i., p. 385.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org