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184
SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
would you not concede that such a one must be a povertystricken wretch?'
'I must concede what you assert in case such a toiler in the forest is found But I know it is simply inconceivable to find one in such a plight at this hour'
'My Lord! Keep watching in this direction and the first flash of lightning will disclose to you what transpires at the bank of the river'
As was certain within seconds the king saw, stunned, the happening at the bank He hung his head in shame He was remorseful of the grave failings of his administration The acerbated feelings of the queen were too plain. The king sent for the man He arrived and saluted the king
'Pray, reveal your identity' 'I am Mammana, sır' 'And your native place?' 'Its Rajgriha itself, Sire'
'Gentle citizen1 What leads you to stand at the river-bank in a loin-cloth during such a stormy night? Are you doing it for the sake of earning your bread ?'
'No my Lord! I don't have to struggle for my livelihood' 'Why this labour then at this improper hour?' 'I am short of a bullock Hence I gather driftwood'
'Why this hard labour for a mere bullock? You may obtain any bullock of your choice from my kine-house, if you will'
'My Lord the match of my bullock shall not be found in the royal kine-house What use my going there?'
'If your bullock some demi-god?' 'I invite your majesty to visit my place and then direct me'
With the first ray of the sun the king was ready for the visit Mammana was present to escort the royal visitor to his house The visit was queer in more than one ways The royal personage visited the place where the bullock was kept The king saw a golden full-sized bullock with inlaid, jewels The match was still to be found.
