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I, 4
PUTTING AWAY DESIRE.
43
"enlightened friend," and would renounce all that is magisterial, 288
But yet not speak lightly or with indifference. What then are the three sources of advantage ? listen, and I will now utter true words, and prove myself a true and sincere adviser. 289
'When the years are fresh and ripening, beauty and pleasing qualities in bloom, not to give proper weight to woman's influence, this is a weak man's policy (body)' 290
'It is right sometimes to be of a crafty mind, submitting to those little subterfuges, which find a place in the heart's undercurrents, and obeying what those thoughts suggest, 291
'In way of pleasures to be got from dalliance, this is no wrong in woman's (eye)! even if now the heart has no desire, yet it is fair to follow such devices; 292
'Agreement (acquiescence) is the joy of woman's heart, acquiescence is the substance (the full) of true adornment; but if a man reject these overtures, he's like a tree deprived of leaves and fruits; 293
Why then ought you to yield and acquiesce ? that you may share in all these things. Because in taking, there's an end of trouble--no light and changeful thoughts then worry us - 294
'For pleasure is the first and foremost thought of all, the gods themselves cannot dispense with it. Lord Sakra was drawn by it to love the wife of Gautama the Rishi; 295
So likewise the Rishi Agastya, through a long
1 This is the character of non-victorious men.' Again there is a play on the word 'Shing' a Gina. The Sanskrit renders it
rudeness.' The Chinese fi-shing-gin may also mean coarse or unpolished.
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