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(7).
cetic's figure was very great and un-equalled. (5). 6 O his colour! O his figure! O the loveliness of the noble
man ! O his tranquility ! O his perfection ! O his disregard for pleasures !
(6). 7. Adoring his feet and keeping him on his right side ( he
sat down ) neither too far off, nor too close by, and asked
him with his hands clasped. 8. Though a young noble man, you have entered the order
in an age for pleasure, you exert yourself as a śramana, O ascetic, I want to hear you explain this.
(8). 9. I am without a protector O great king; there is nobody to
protect me. I know no friend, nor any one to have sympathy with me.
(9). 10. Then King Śréņika, the Ruler of Magadha laughed. How
should there be nobody to protect one so accomplished as you ?
(10). 11. I am the protector of religious men; O monk I enjoy plea
sures together with your friends and relations; for, it is a rare chance to be born as a human being.
(11). 12. "You yourself are without a protector, Śréņika, Ruler of
Magadha, and as you are without a protector, how can you
protect anybody else ? 13. When the saint had addressed this unprecedented speech
to the king, who was greatly moved and astonished and struck with astonishment, (he answered).
(13). 14. “I have horses, elephants, and subjects, a town, and a sera
glio, power, and command; I enjoy human plasures. (14). 15. In possession of so great means which permit the owner
to enjoy all pleasures, how could he be without protection ? Reverend Sir! You speak untruth.
(15). 16. O king, you do not know the meaning and origin of ( the
(12)
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