Lilavaikaha

Author(s): K R Chandra, Ramniklal M Shah
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 38

Lilavai-Kaha of Koünü
155. If he (i.e. Simhala-king) comes round by that (sending of a messenger), tell me what is the use of (taking) the trouble (of attacking him) ? Why give poison to one who killed by mere words?
can be
411!
#!
156. And I have heard that he has a beloved daughter, Lilavatī by name, who is (as if) created out of the best things of the entire world and who is dearer to him than his life.
157. On the auspicious day of her birth, some God declared in divine (or superhuman, lit. bodiless) voice, and astrologers also (fore-) told,
158. That whosoever becomes the husband of this excellent girl at the time of her wedding will be a sovereign monarch of this whole earth and wilt get (all) the divine Siddhis (i.e. supernatural powers)
159. So if, somehow, he offers that gem of a maiden (in marriage) to our master, what is not achieved by us on this earth? And moreover, our king is (certainly) a receptacle for such precious things here (on this earth). Keeping this in mind, the policy of conciliation towards him will be best for us".
160.
17
161. Hearing all this from the venerable minister Pottisa, I said, "Why (think of any other) messenger? I will myself go. 162. So that, won over by the great honour of our visit and affection, he will certainly give that gem of his daughter to my master".
163.
165.
164. Thus having discussed (this) in detail, my lord ! in the morning I moved from my camp accompanied by a limited (number of) attendants.
2
Noble Potṭisa said again, "In such an undertaking your going (personally) to the king of Simhala cannot be opposed".
And very soon, I reached the ocean which was the family abode of Laksmi, the residence of Visņu and the shelter of