________________
Lilāvai-Kahā of Koühala
93
979. "O alas ! ((they lamented), before this demise, can this
necklace come to such a pass. since he had held it on his
heart, burning with unbearable passion. 980. Oh ! how did I keep myself alive for all this time, deceived
by false hopes and wretched sinner that I am ? 981. Considering that this was indeed a great sustenance for his
heart, I had given it into Madhavilata's hands; how did it
get separated (from him) ? 982. Oh my heart, hard like adamant ! at the sight of this
necklace today, the hope of union with that prince is
shattered; O ! break (asunder) now ! 983. Since I did not die at that time, 0 Kuvalayāvali !, this
fruit, associated with Lilāvati's calamity is now being reaped
(by us). 984. Now you (please) go, dear sister ! you have borne the
unbearable for our sake ! This will be the end also of our
stay here ! 985. Good girl ! (lit. one with eyes like those of a fawn).
It behoves you to go along with Vijayānanda (or, wiih Vijayānanda as your herald) to the king who is so eager
(to see you) with great love". 986. Hearing that (speech), even more unbearable than the blow
of adamant, O King, Lilāvati held her breath for a long time. 987. I said (lit. thought) to myself, “Oh ! Wretched Fate, is it
proper for you to show (such great) desire for the destru
ction of all at the same time ?" 988. Then the Yakşa-princess said, "I send this ring by way of
a return present to him who sent you this necklace (as a
present). 989. (Then she said to herself) “Since by him (ie, Madhavānila)
at that time it was presented to me by his own hands,
such is the predicament of this gem of a ring now'. 990. Saying this, o king, that daughter of a Yakșa has herself
taken the trouble to send this ring to you as a return gift.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
