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148
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
III, 13.
the third Ngai-loh (love-joy). These three, at this time, advanced together, 1040
And addressed their father Pisuna and said: May we not know the trouble that afflicts you ?' The father calming his feelings, addressed his daughters thus : 1041
The world has now a great Muni, he has taken a strong oath as a helmet, he holds a mighty bow in his hand, wisdom is the diamond shaft he uses, 1042
'His object is to get the mastery in the world, to ruin and destroy my territory (domain); I am myself unequal to him, for all men will believe in him, 1043
'And all find refuge in the way of his salvation ; then will my land be desert and unoccupied. But as when a man transgresses the laws of morality, his body (or, he himself) is then empty (i. e. unprotected), 1044
'So now, the eye of wisdom, not yet opened (in this man), whilst my empire still has peace (quiet), I will go and overturn his purpose, and break down and divide the ridge-pole (of his house)2.' 1045
Seizing then his bow and his five arrows, with all his retinue of male and female attendants, he went to that grove of fortunate rest' with the vow that the world (all flesh) should not find peace 8. 1046
Then seeing the Muni, quiet and still (silent), preparing to cross the sea of the three worlds, in his left hand grasping his bow, with his right hand pointing his arrow, 1047
1 See Childers, sub Mâro, for the name of the daughters. In Sanskrit, Rati, Prîti, and Trishna.
3. I will return to the house ...., he findeth it swept and garnished, but empty'
• Should not find 'rest.' There is a play on the word.
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