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SUMATINĀTHACARITRA
269 like Śaci attended by the Apsarases, Queen Sudarśană was very much amazed in her heart.
“Who is she? Who are these attendants of hers ? " Queen Sudarśanā instructed the harem-guard to find out. When he had enquired, the harem-guard came and reported : “She is Sulaksaņā, the wife of Nandişeņa, a merchant. Sulaksaņā has two sons; and these are their wives, four of each, eager to serve their mother-in-law like slaves.”
When she heard that, Sudarśanā reflected to herself, “Indeed, this merchant's wife, who looks upon the face of a son, is very superior, for whom these beautiful well-born young women, who have become her daughters-in-law, always perform service, like eight Näga-maidens. Alas ! alas! for me who have no son, no daughter-in-law, who am lacking in merit. My life is in vain, even though I have become the heart of my husband. Tossing his hand here and there, dust-color all over from powder, a son plays on the lap of fortunate women, like a monkey in a tree. Like vines that have produced no fruit, like mountains without water, women without children are blameworthy, are to be grieved over. What is the use of other festivals for those people who may not have the great festivals of the birth-, naming-, tonsure-, marriageceremony, etc. of a son ?"
With these thoughts, her face pale like a lotus injured by cold, Queen Sudarśanā, depressed, went to her own house. There she dismissed even her attendants and fell on the couch, weak, breathless, as if ill. She did not eat, she did not speak, she did not make her toilet, but remained like a jeweled doll without a mind.
Explanation to the King (24-33) When the King heard from her retinue that she was in this state, he approached her and said in a voice tender with affection : "O Queen, when even I am subject to you, is any wish unfulfilled, because of which you are so grieved, like a hańss that has been made to fall in
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