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ili MINIH O
desire and klag Ripupratisatru himself became intensely enamoured with the girl. Having become thus bewildered by the blows of arrows of a Madana, (God of Love), the king, began to think-"O! This girl has now become of marriageable age; what to do! Can such a charming girl be given to other people and driven away from my own house? It is not at all proper. Although all the people are interested in giving away their daughters to other people, such a blind following after another without duo consideration, does not deserve to be acceptable for people of sound intelligence." With this firm resolution uppermost in his mind, and disregarding public censure of a very long duration, without thinking about the longcontinued Path of Justice, but unable to suppress the agonies the God of Love, and desirous of having marriage-alliance of the girl with himself, the king concealing with great difficulty his own amorous emotions, sent the girl to his harem.
Then, next day, the king called promloent citizens, leaders of caravans, heads of corporations, generals, and feudatory princes into his presence, and having seated them at their appropriate places, he respectfully said, "O excellent people ! Yon are the persons to fix and regulate the rules of proper and Improper customs of various familles, of doubtful procedure of justice, and of popular usage, and you deserve to be consulted by me beforehand in all matters. Now, tell me who is the owner of a gem that is produced in this part of the country ?" Not knowing the true state of affairs, they declared “O Sire! There is nothing to be asked in it. You yourself are the owner of the gem." Having made them repeat the declaration three times before the assembly, and having summoned his daughter into his presence, the king told the citizens, “Ab! This girl bas been produced as a gem in my harem, and according to your advice, I am myself desirous of effecting a marriage-alliance with her, because your word cannot be disobeyed by me in any way."
Then, bending their necks low out of shame, looking at each other's face, and experiencing much mental agony caused
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