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CHAPTER THREE cage, the swan began to speak in human language.“ Princess, you are discerning. Do not put me in a cage. I shall tell you something about your husband. Release me.” Astonished at seeing the swan speaking in a human voice, she said to him respectfully as if he were a favored guest who had come: “On the contrary, you are worthy of favor, swan. Name my husband. News, being half-told, is sweeter than sugar.”
The swan related: “In the city Kośalā there is a daughter of Kośala, a lord of Khecaras, named Sukośalā, who resembles a goddess. Sukošalā's husband is a young man, the abode of the very essence of beauty. The delineation of all beautiful persons is suspended by anyone who has seen him. Sukošalā's husband has an extraordinary beauty, fair lady. There is beauty equal to his, if in a mirror, not otherwise. As this young man is the crest-jewel of men because of his wealth of beauty, likewise you are the crest-jewel of women, proud lady. Seeing the beauty of you both, with the desire for you two to meet I have described him to you, after describing you fully to him. You have been depicted to him so that, when he has heard of your svayamvara, he will come to it himself, fair lady. You should recognize him in the midst of many in the svayamvara, like the lord of the constellations (moon) among the constellations, by his great splendor. So free me. Good fortune will be yours; but blame, if I am held captive. The venerable Creator, as it were, exerts himself for a husband for you."
Kanakavati thought: “ This is no ordinary man taking the form of a swan for amusement. Through him I shall find a husband.” She released him from her hand. Flying up through the air, he dropped in her lap a picture and said: “Here is a painting of the young man as he is, fair lady. After seeing a picture of him, you can recognize him, when he has come here.” Kanakavati, delighted, joined her hands in supplication and said to him: “Who are you? Favor me a little by telling your name.” ********* The Khecara, who had the gait of a swan, dangling golden earrings, divine unguents, and ornaments, said, speaking
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