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T1, 8.
THE GENERAL GRIEF OF THE PALACE.
91
king, his father, having lost the prince, was filled, both night and day, with grief; 641
And fasting, sought the gods (for help). He prayed that they would soon restore him, and having prayed and finished sacrifice, he went from out the sacred gates; 642
Then hearing all the cries and sounds of mourning, his mind distressed became confused, as when heaven's thundering and lightning put to bewildering flight a herd of elephants. 643
Then seeing Kandaka with the royal steed, after long questioning, finding his son a hermit, fainting he fell upon the earth, as when the flag of Indra falls and breaks. 644
Then all the ministers of state, upraising him, exhort him, as was right?, to calm himself. After a while, his mind somewhat recovered, speaking to the royal steed, he said : 645
How often have I ridden thee to battle, and every time have thought upon (commended) your excellence! but now I hate and loathe thee, more than ever I have loved or praised thee! 646
My son, renowned for noble qualities, thou hast carried off and taken from me; and left him 'mid the mountain forests; and now you have come back alones; 647
Take me, then, quickly hence and go! And going, never more come back with me! For since you have not brought him back, my life is worth no more preserving; 648 'No longer care I about governing! My son about
1 The heaven-sacrificing-gate. . In agreement with religion. • Or, now you return from the desert (hung) alone.'
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