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TRANSLATION
59
wild beasts and were passing the night keeping awake for a quarter by turns.
Now, during the third quarter of the night, SOMADATTA, walking and sitting at intervals, heard a conversation of a pair of pigeons (by the śrutăśrutanyāya?).
The she-pigeon said: "My lord, for the one that is born, death is certain. Therefore if death comes about in a glorious way by helping others it is indeed blissful. If these two miserable brāhmana boys, afflicted by hunger and thirst, and who have sought our refuge, would die here then what would be the purpose of our life? Therefore, to preserve their life (54) we should sacrifice ourselves". Hearing this, the pigeon answered: “Well said, beloved. You are indeed dear to me. Let us do that. Of these two, the one who eats me will be a king and he who eats you will get five-hundred gold pieces everyday. This had been predicted by sage Uttańka at the time of our birth". Saying this, both of them threw themselves into the blazing fire.
Having heard this and witnessing the scene with wonder SOMADATTA pulled them out of the fire. Then arousing his elder brother he told him about the incident of the pigeons, gave him the pigeon to eat and himself ate the female-pigeon. After eating, he went to sleep. When he awoke in the morning five-hundred gold pieces were by his side. Both of them were convinced now, and taking the gold they proceeded as desired.
Now, as they were going, one of them felt thirsty, and in search of water he went in a different direction. The other continued the same way and went a long distance. The former returned after finding water but lost his way. Thus because of different paths both of them were separated and went different ways.
Now, according to the story, the elder became a king of Magadha. The other wandering about reached the city of Kāñci. In that city, which by its splendour surpassed the three worlds, dwelt a bawd called MAKARADAMSTRA. She had a daughter named KARPÜRIKA. The beasts in the form of the sensuous men who got caught in the snares of her eyes were not able to move even a step. In amorous sport he spent many days with her. Everyday he gave her unlimited gold. No supplicant even turned away from him, nor did his wealth ever decrease though he gave constantly. Seeing his undiminishing affluence MAKARADAMSTRA said to her daughter: "Child KARPÜRIKA! This man basks in wealth yet the source of his wealth is not known". KARPŪRIKA said: "Mother, I also do not know the source of his wealth". On hearing this MAKARADAM
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