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SIXTH INCARNATION AS APARĀJITA
237
formerly by our Vidyadhara-friend, now we shall summon them. Then what is that miserable creature to us?"
While the two brothers were reflecting thus secretly, the magic arts, Prajñapti, et cetera, came, as if they had had an appointment. With a splendor equal to the brilliancy of lightning, adorned with various ornaments, wearing bright divine garments, their hands folded submissively, they said:
""
'We are those magic arts which you have summoned. Gained in a former birth, now we are present. We shall enter your bodies, like divinities entering a charmed weapons. Now command us, illustrious ones." They said, "So be it," and the magic arts shared the nature of their bodies, like rivers that of the east and west oceans. Naturally strong, they became exceedingly So from the acquisition of the magic arts, like lions with armor. They made a pūjā to the vidyās with charming perfumes and wreaths. People of discernment do not neglect pūjā to those entitled to it.
Just then the messenger, instructed by Damitāri, returned in haste and said to them reproachfully:
"Sirs! Sirs! What is this revolt against the master that you, like young rhinoceroses, have undertaken from ignorance? After saying, 'We will send the slave girls,' they were not sent. Do you, fools, wish to die? Is he, angry, not known? Indeed, two evil spirits are present to you in the guise of slave-girls. I think, they will not go away without destroying you, root and branch. Do not give much. Give the slave-girls now. Otherwise, the master will seize them and the sovereignty from you."
Concealing his anger, Vişņu, though powerful, wise, his lips blooming with the moonlight of a smile, said to him calmly:
"King Damitāri must be satisfied by making gifts of valuable jewels, money, trained elephants, and horses. If Damitāri is satisfied by these slave-girls, take them now and go in the evening."
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