Kathakoca or Treasury of Stories

Author(s): C H Tawney
Publisher: Oriental Books Reprint Corporation New Delhi

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ambassador to Chandrayaças in Sudarçanapura; the ambassador represented the matter to Chandrayaças. The king said to the ambassador:
'Fortune is not transmitted as a family heirloom, nor is she contained in a written edict;
She should be won and enjoyed by the sword; the earth is for the enjoyment of heroes.'
Having said this, King Chandrayaças dismissed the ambassador. He went and told the whole story to King Nami, who flew into a passion. King Nami with his whole army arrived ready for battle at the city of Sudarçanapura. King Chandrayaças also was going out to meet him, but being warned by omens and dissuaded by his ministers, he barred up the gates of the main street of the city, and remained within the city while King Nami invested it. Suvratá found out this accumulation of evils, and went there to preach to both of them and to forbid the war. When Nami saw the ascetic lady on the field of battle, he rose up to meet her, and himself sat on the ground. The ascetic Suvratá admonished him, and said: 'King, whence this preparation for battle? Empty is the fortune of empire, enjoyments are terrible in their results; therefore turn away from fight, do not engage in strife. Moreover, what kind of a conflict can this be which is to be waged with your own brother ?' King Nami said: Who is my brother?' Suvratá said: That very Chandrayaças is your brother,' and in order to convince him, pointed to the seal and the jewelled shawl. Nevertheless, he would not desist from war. Then Suvratá went to Chandrayaças. When he saw her, he said to himself: She is my mother, and also a great saint;' and he worshipped her with great humility. He gave her a seat, showing great devotion, and all the inmates of his harem honoured her. The king said: 'Noble lady, why have you begun this terrible penance?' When the king asked Suvratá this question, she told her own history. The king said: 'Well, where is that younger brother of mine now?' The noble lady said: 'He is outside the city, the very man who is besieging you.' Then
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