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by nature must be abandoned. In course of time it surely effects a change for the worse, like the poison of a mad-dog. This Aśokadatta friend of yours, always advancing in influence), will corrupt you entirely, as leprosy spreads and corrupts a body. For he, extremely deceitful, thinks one thing, says another, and does something else, like a courtesan."
When the best of merchants had stopped speaking after giving this careful advice, Sagaracandra thought to himself, “I think Father has learned about the whole incident of the girl and bandit, since he gives this advice. Asokadatta does not appear suitable to Father. By the bad fortune of men (our) elders are different (from what they should be). Still, it must be." Reflecting thus a moment, Ságaracandra said in a respectful voice : “Whatever my Father advises, that must be done. I am your son. Enough of action by which the father's advice is transgressed. However, by chance and unexpectedly, action falls to one's lot which does not allow any time at all for reflection. The time for action passes for one reflecting, as the auspicious hour (for the bath) passes for a lazy person washing his feet. Even though such a time should come, even though my life were in danger, I will do only that which will not cause you embarassment. As for what my Father said about Aśokadatta, I am not vicious by his vice, nor virtuous from his virtue. The cause of my friendship with Aśokadatta is our living together, playing together in the sand-pile (as children), seeing each other frequently, the same caste, same education, the same habits, the same age, kindness even in absence, sharing of pleasure and pain. I do not see any deceit in him at all. Some one has lied to my father. Certainly malicious people disturb every one. Granted that he is deceitful, what will he do to me ? Even when they are placed together, glass is glass, a jewel is a jewel!" To his son who had replied thus the merchant said, “You are a sensible fellow. Nevertheless, I had to advise
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