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HANUMAT'S BIRTH AND VARUNA'S SUBJECTION
the disgrace of the family. Even a speck of collyrium spoils a clean cloth."
As he was reflecting thus, his son, Prasannakirti, intent on prudence, his face becoming ungracious, said to him: "She should be sent away quickly. For the family has been injured by her. Does not a wise person cut off his finger if bitten by a snake?"
Then the minister, Mahotsäha, said to the king: "In case of trouble with the mother-in-law, the refuge of daughters is the protection of the father. Moreover, the mother-in-law Ketumati, cruel, would banish her, though innocent, having invented some fault. Until there is an explanation of guilt or innocence, protect her here secretly. Because she is your daughter, show compassion."
The king said: "A mother-in-law is like this everywhere. But nowhere should there be such conduct of young women. Moreover, we heard in the beginning that she was disliked by Pavana. How then could her embryo originate from Pavana himself? She is certainly guilty and was properly banished by her. She must be banished from here quickly. We will not look upon her face."
At the king's command the door-keeper drove away Añjană who was watched unhappily by the people lamenting and sad. Hungry, thirsty, tired, sighing, weeping, reddening the earth with blood from her feet pierced by thorns, stumbling at every step, resting at every tree, Añjana went with her friend, making the very heavens cry out. Into whatever city or village she went, she was prevented from stopping by the king's agents who had been there in advance. On her wandering, she came to a large forest, sat down at the foot of a tree in a mountainthicket, and lamented:
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"Alas! From lack of consideration on the part of my elders, first there was punishment of me, unfortunate; afterwards consideration of the fault. Ketumati, the disgrace to the family was warded off by you, well-done! Father, you decided well from fear of the connection !
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