________________ Kummaputtachariam [78-86 there is the goddess named As'apuri who will give you your desired object'(78). He went to that Ratnavipa and propitiated that Goddess by twenty one fasts. Pleased with that, she said unto him (79) 'Well, good man, with what motive have I been worshipped by you?'. He said 'This my effort is directed, O Goddess, to the acquisition of the Desire--yielding gem', (80). Then the Goddess said-- Well, dear boy, your store of action is not in fact such an one as is conducive to your welfare; because, gods, too, bestow wealth upon men in accordance with their action.' (81). Then he said 'If I had a store of meritorious actions, where was the necessity to adore you? You therefore, give me, please, the gem, then come what may'. (82). Then she gave to that merchant of gems the Desire-yielding-gem and he, pleased at heart, embarked the ship for sailing homeward. (83). Seated on the deck of the ship when he came well-nigh in the middle of the sea, the moon of the full--moonnight rose on the eastern horizon. (84). When he saw the moon, that merchant thought in his mind as to whether the refulgence of the gem was superior or that of the moon. (85). With this thought he took in his hand the Desire--yielding-gem and carefully observed
