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CHAPTER FOUR “Your fame, endowed with different virtues, brilliant as a jasmine, whom does it not rejoice, like the moon's rays, lord ? Nihataśatru, a friend to you, though remote, wishes special affection, having come nearer through an alliance. King Nihatašatru has three daughters, placed as mistresses of the women of each of the three worlds, as it were. Nihataśatru wishes to give two to Megharatha and one to Drdharatha. May you be friends."
King Ghanaratha said in a voice deep as thunder: "Now let our friendship be strengthened by that alliance. Friendships of the noble increase by alliances like mountainrivers by streams always joining."
The minister said: "Majesty, summon the best astrologer and tell me the auspicious moment for auspicious rites. Send forth the princes equal to Māra in beauty. Let my master be favored in the guise of marriage with his daughters, master."
After he had determined on an auspicious time through the astrologer and had agreed to the coming of the princes, the king dismissed the minister. The minister, delighted, went quickly to Sumandirapura and delighted King Nihataśatru by his report on this.
Ghanaratha sent Megharatha, accompanied by Dşdharatha, like Love accompanied by Spring, to Sumandirapura. Surrounded by vassal-kings, ministers, generals and armies, the princes set out unhindered like the streams of rivers. After they had advanced by safe marches, they camped on the border of King Surendradatta's territory, oceans for maintaining the boundary. A messenger, who had been instructed by King Surendradatta, approached and said to Megharatha arrogantly:
"Our master, Surendradatta, powerful as Surendra, says: 'Do not go into my territory. Leave my border and go by another road. Travel on a road occupied by lions is not for the welfare of deer.""
Megharatha, best of speakers, smiled and said: "This road is the direct one for us. Why should it be abandoned?
on this
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