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92 always the cause of unworthy things, as the night before a new moon is the cause of darkness." Sāgara said, “Now indeed, dear friend, you have fallen into danger from some woman like a snake.” Asokadatta said, displaying simulated embarassment: "For a long time Priyadarśanā has said improper things to me. For so long a time I disregarded her with shame and scorn on my part, thinking, 'Some time she will cease, ashamed of herself. But day by day she does not cease speaking to me with words suitable for unchaste wives. Alas, women have persistence in wickedness. Today, inoreover, to look for you I went to your house. Friend, I have been detained by her knowing tricks like a Raksasi. After I had freed myself in some way from her house, Tike an elephant from a net, I came here very quickly. Then I thought, "She will not let me go, so long as I live. So, shall I kill myself today? And yet it is not a good idea to die, since she will describe such a thing falsely to my friend, and that, moreover, in my absence. Rather, I myself will tell everything to my friend, so that, distrusting her, he will not go to destruction. That too is not fitting, since I did not fulfill her wish. Shall I throw acid on a wound by telling her improper conduct ?' As I was reflecting thus, you saw me here just now. Know this to be the cause of my depression, friend."
When he had heard this speech, for a moment Sāgara was like one who has drunk poison; then he became calm like the ocean free from wind. Sāgara said: “This is inherent in women, like acridness in water from wells in salty ground. Do not be troubled. Be always busy with auspicious work. Contentment (of mind) must be maintained. Consider that her words are not to be remembered. Let her be whatever she may be. Enough of her, in truth. Only may there be no evil-mindedness between us, brother.” So conciliated by him, artless as he was, the basest of men rejoiced. For the deceitful, even having committed crimes, admire themselves. From that time
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