Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 3

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 149

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CHAPTER FOUR
Look! As a surety of battle, I shall make the kingdom of Dvārakā bereft of Soma, bereft of Suprabha, bereft of Purusottama."
Dismissing Muni Nārada with these words, he sent a messenger with secret instructions to Soma and Soma's sons. He, powerful--for messengers, though powerless, become powerful by their masters' power—went quickly to Soma and his sons and said:
"The destroyer of the pride of the proud, gentle to the well-behaved, victorious by the cruel strength of his arm, rich in warrior-practices, his lotus-feet attended by hansakings sprung from noble families in the southern half of Bharata, like slaves; taking tribute also from the Vaitādhyakings of the southern row on Vaitādhya; with cruel commands like another Akhandala, Ardhacakradhara Madhu, spring to the garden of half of Bharata, sends me to give you orders. So listen, o king. 'We know that you have shown devotion in the past. We hear from people that you have now changed because of the power of your sons. If you are the same as before and there is no change, send tribute to the master, including the key of the treasury.' 187 By the lord's favor everything will be yours again. The water that the sun takes up, it gives back to the earth.168 By his disfavor your wealth, even what is in existence, will go. For when the master is angry, wealth does not remain, as if from fear. If the master is opposed, how will you have wife, children, friends, et cetera, and life, to say nothing of wealth ? After executing the master's command, rule your country according to custom. Let the words of your slanderers, resembling dogs, prove false.”
Then Puruşottama said harshly from rising anger: "Because you are a messenger, you may not be killed. For that reason you said this, contemptible creature! Are you crazy, or drunk, or careless, or have you the
167 144. Maryādīkstya kuncikām (?). See App. I. 108 145. See I, n. 171.