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ŚRNGARAMANJARIKATHA
brought here". With my anger redoubled I said to him; "Am I not a lady? Am I your slave that I will act as a messenger for you?"
"When I said this he took up the cane in anger and started beating me. Being tortured thus I frequently said "The feet of king VIKRAMADITYA, who has conquered the three worlds, are my refuge'. They were perplexed thinking that by my remembering you, (40) you would indeed come. So they threw me there, and I saw them running away in confusion. Then I saw myself fallen on the parade ground. This incident took place this very night".
On hearing the narrative, the king said to her: "DEVADATTA, is this true?”
DEVADATTA said: "If it be untrue then the king may punish me".
Again the king asked: "Is it true?" "If it is untrue then by the order of the king I am cursed indeed. As soon as I took the name of your lordship then the confusion of those running away was such that I cannot even express it in words. I only heard their words 'VIKRAMADITYA has come, VIKRAMADITYA has come'. In that confusion I did not know where the airplane flew away.
Wonderstruck, the king again said: "DEVADATTA, is this true?” DEVADATTA said just then as if confused, “Sir, it is entirely true. Why should I speak untruth in the presence of the king?"
King SAHASĀMKA was pleased, he said: "Oh! Superintendents of elephants! leaving aside the best of elephants, immediately give to DEVADATTĀ the second Lord of elephants together with four crores of gold pieces, rich ornaments and dresses".
"My Lord," then courteously added DEVADATTA, “this I shall inform you. Outside the couch this is the one I get. On the couch I shall take another also. Your lordship asked me before how my class of persons acquire (wealth). Well, this is how they do it". Smilingly she spoke thus and stopped.
Hearing this VIKRAMÄRKA was twice pleased and he said: "Well done, DEVADATTĀ, well done. I have been enlightened in a charming manner. The tradition of your class has thus been elevated to a high state" saying this he doubled his gifts.
Therefore, oh daughter! for those who drain the resources of men by knowing their minds the gain of wealth is certain. For it is a great truth that there is nothing a person would not give when his greatness is glorified.
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