________________
BRINGING NEWS OF SĪTĀ
271
have belonged to me since birth? Living in a forest, eating fruit, unclean, wearing dirty garments, like Kirātas, what glory will they give to you when they are satisfied? In the circumstances why have you come here at their command, since you jeopardize your life just by coming here, stupid? These earth-inhabitants are clever that they have made you do this. For rogues pull out charcoal (from a fire) by another's hand. As you were the best of followers to me and now are the messenger of an enemy, you are not to be killed, villain, but you are ridiculed just to teach you."
Hanumat said: "When was I your follower? And when did you become my master? Are you not ashamed to talk so! Once upon a time your vassal, Khara, esteeming himself highly in battle,175 was freed from capture by Varuna 176 formerly by my father from friendship for you. I too came to your assistance in the past, summoned by you. I guarded you from Varuna's sons in battle and in danger. You are not suitable for assistance now, engaged in crime. Even conversation with you, the kidnaper of another man's wife, is for evil. I do not see anyone among your people who will protect you now from Saumitri alone, to say nothing of Rama, his elder brother." Angered by that speech, terrible from the frown on his brow, Daśānana said, biting his lips: "Since you support my enemies and have made an enemy of me, you are surely anxious to die. Why do you have disgust with existence in this case? Just as no one kills a leper, even one who wishes to die, from fear of murder, who would kill a messenger, villain! Now you are to be led around every road in Lanka, surrounded by people, mounted on a donkey and with five tufts of hair (like an ascetic)."
Angry at these words, Maruti burst the nāgapāśas. For how long does an elephant remain bound by lotusstalks? Flying up like a flash of lightning, Maruti broke
175 395. I.e. of little worth? 176 395. See above, p, 176.
18
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
