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ŚRĪ DHARMANĀTHACARITRA
145
transferred by me to you. You boys come here to me and remain free from calamity. What can the forest-fire do to those standing in the middle of the river? You who are of little importance must be made of great importance by me wishing to pay the debt of devotion long shown by your father.'
دور
When they were addressed in these words, anger appeared and sorrow disappeared. For one emotion, though strong, is restrained by another emotion. Raising one eyebrow and frowning somewhat, Puruṣasinha spoke angrily, like a lion: "Who, who was not the abode of sorrow at the death of our father, moon of the Ikṣvākufamily, benefactor to everyone? Other kings also grieved. That Niśumbha grieved-if he did not send a message to that effect, that would be malignity on his part. Who, pray, offers territory to a young lion? Who rears him? Whence is there any insult to him? Is he not ashamed now speaking so to us? He is certainly an enemy, insulting us under the pretext of friendship. Let your lord be friend, foe, or neutral. We have no regard for him. The powerful have regard only for the arm.
"
The messenger said: "O son of Siva, your childishness is very apparent, since you do not wish happiness, making an enemy today of him who is equal to a father. O foolish prince, you are still unskilled in royal polity, since you create an enemy, like pressing your belly on a stake. I will not report this speech of yours to the master. So do as I say. By your favor let there be peace for a long time with your brother (Niśumbha). Otherwise, he will soon be your enemy. If he, like Kṛtānta, is angered, even your life is in doubt."
Exceedingly angry at that speech, Hari replied: "You are, to be sure, a messenger indifferent to your own life, O messenger. By the speech of messengers like you, skilled in deceitful speech only, he will terrify kings, like a non-venomous snake by its hood. Go! Our words must not be concealed. Tell everything to your master.
He has
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