________________
434
not hard to be accomplished even later on." On hearing these words of prohibition, Ratnāvali, avoiding the range of vision of the nurse, started from her dwelling-place unnoticed by any of her relatives, and entered a forest-arbour in a distant locality and with her hands folded in the form of an anjali in front of her fore-head, she said 0 Sylvan Goddess ! Listen to the words of an unfortunate giri. Who else is there in this place, to whom I can say out my heart's aim? The desperate Fate has created me with such adverse attributes for the purpose of tormenting me with misfortunes, tbat soon after my marriage 1 unfortunately became separated from my husband. Now I leave my body banging on the adjoining tree, in your presence. What is the use of this body polluted with the dirt of dishonour o son of the king of Śripura ! Although you are at a distance, you must know that his poor Ratnāvali has joxt her ilfe for the sake of your separation." With these words, she tied up her braid of hair, made a strong knot of her clothes, and having prepared a share with her upper garment on the branch of a tree, she applied the noose on her own neck and kept her body hanging on it.
Unable to find Raināvali on her own be, the nurse followed her immediately, and, is a consequence of virtuous actions in previous lives, she arrived at that spot. In the brightness of moon--light, the nurse saw Ratnávali hanging from the branch of the tree, but unable to apply a suitable remedy, she raised a loud cry of lamentation thus :-—"O gods! sprites! angels! give me your sleiter. Protect this noble woman Cut asunder her fetters Do not make yourself impure with the mire of sin by your negligence at such a critical time.'
At that time, Kans kacüda and Sūraséna Kumāra came into that region, and immediately on hearing the cry of danger, they got down from the sky, and cut down all the fetters of Ratnā vall. When Ratrāva! regained her natural condition, they asked
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
