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FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
1,5.
forms so plump and young, their looks so bright; but now, how changed! so uninviting and repulsive. 394
And such is woman's disposition ! how can they, then, be ever dear, or closely trusted; such false appearances! and unreal pretences; they only madden and delude the minds of men. 395
And now (he said), I have awakened to the truth! Resolved am I to leave such false society. At this time the Deva of the Pure abode descended and approached, unfastening the doors. 396
The prince, too, at this time rose and walked along, amid the prostrate forms of all the women; with difficulty reaching to the inner hall, he called to Kandaka, in these words, 397
‘My mind is now athirst and longing for the draught of the fountain of sweet dew, saddle then my horse, and quickly bring it here. I wish to reach the deathless city; 398
My heart is fixed beyond all change, resolved I am and bound by sacred oath; these women, once so charming and enticing, now behold I altogether loathsome; 399
The gates, which were before fast-barred and locked, now stand free and open! these evidences of something supernatural, point to a climax of my life.' 400
Then Kandaka stood reflecting inwardly, whether to obey or not the prince's order, without informing his royal father of it, and so incur the heaviest punishment. 401
The Devas then gave spiritual strength; and unperceived the horse equipped came round, with even pace; a gallant steed, with all his jewelled trappings for a rider; 402
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