________________
57
that the master is punished at the fault of the serpant. I am in great difficulty. Or, what is the use of needless anxiety ! The remedy alone is the abeltor of an act to be accomplished." With this idea in his mind, King Prajāpati had the messenger Caņdavėga brought into his presence, and having rendered him. hospitality on a more elaborate scale, and having given him very valuable presents and four times more money, he consolingly sald “O worthy man! Being devoid of politeness in boyhood, and full of immodest pranks in youth, and being insolent on account of their birth in a royal family, the princes troubled you a great deal, but you should not be grieved and should not be angry in any way. I have, high regards for you. Childish sports are not unpleasant to members of the assembly of a paternal king. I am their father. You should try to extol the good qualities of my princes, and do me the favour of forgetting the insult done to you.'
36. The messenger replied “O great king! Why do you become so irritated ! Can any one doubt impoliteness in one's children ? Or, there can be no place for fault-finding out of affection towards them.” The king said, " It is quite right. I know the condition of your mind. I praise your faithfulness. But, now do one thing that Prati-vāsudeva Ašvagriva may not be informed of this incident." Having accepted the king's words, messenger Caņďavéga, left him and eventually reached Asvagriva.
Now, Candavéga saw that Prati-vāsudeva Ašvagriva, was very angry, and terrifying with his eye-brows raised up and blood-shot eyes and be at once realized that the Prati-văsudeva had known the incident from some of the men of his retinue who went there earlier. Having respectfully bowed down, the messenger took his appropriate seat. On being asked by Prati-vāsudéva Ašvagriva, messenger Caņdavéga narrated the whole account and sid, " The princes of king Prajāpati uaexpectedly beat me without recognizing me. They have insulted
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
