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96
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
II, 9.
Then, at his command, the two men seated themselves before the prince, as Pou-na (Punarvasa) and Pushya, the twin stars attend beside the moon; 679
Then the Purohita and the great minister respectfully explained to the royal prince, even as Pi-lipo-ti (Brihaspati) spoke to that Gayanta : 680
Your royal father, thinking of the prince, is pierced in heart, as with an iron point; his mind distracted, raves in solitude; he sleeps upon the dusty ground; 681
By night and day he adds to his sorrowful reflections; his tears flow down like the incessant rain; and now to seek you out, he has sent us hither. Would that you would listen with attentive mind; 682
* We know that you delight to act religiously; it is certain, then, without a doubt, this is not the time for you to be a hermit (to enter the forest wilds); a feeling of deep pity consumes our heart! 683
You, if you be indeed moved by religion, ought to feel some pity for our case; let your kindly feelings flow abroad, to comfort us who are worn at heart; 684
'Let not the tide of sorrow and of sadness completely overwhelm the outlets of our heart; as the torrents (which roll down) the grassy mountains; or the calamities of tempest, fiery heat, and lightning; 685
For so the grieving heart has these four sorrows, turmoil and drought, passion and overthrow. But come! return to your native place, the time will arrive when you can go forth again as a recluse. 686
But now to disregard your family duties, to turn against father and mother, how can this be called
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