________________
VASUDEVA'S MARRIAGE WITH KANAKAVATI
131
How much enjoyment is there of the wicked? Coming here, I served King Ṛtuparna. What proud man would do service? Or (if he does), he should do it to the king.
As I was going into the palace with evil ideas, I saw Queen Candravati's jewel-case. At the sight of it my mind leaped with the desire to steal it like that of an evil-minded adulterer at the sight of another man's wife. Like a kite stealing a necklace,146 I stole the jewel-case. Arranging my upper .garment, so it reached to the front of my feet, I went away. I was observed by King Rtuparna, very clever, because of some thief-gestures. Nothing can escape detection on the part of the clever. I was bound instantly by the guards at the king's command and, as I was being led to execution, I saw you, noble lady. Crying out very loud, even from a distance, I attained you as a protection and was set free by you, like a goat that has come to be slaughtered.
Besides, when you, mistress, left Tāpasapura, Vasanta, like an elephant taken away from the Vindhya, ceased to eat. Enlightened by Yaśobhadra Suri and other people, he fasted for seven nights and ate on the eighth day. One day Vasanta, equal to Śrida in wealth, took much money as a present and went to see King Kubara. Satisfied with the present, King Kubara bestowed on him the kingdom of Tāpasapura, characterized by an umbrella, et cetera. After placing him in the rank of a vassal, the king, Nala's younger brother, gave him another name, Vasantaśrisekhara. Dismissed by Kubara, Vasanta went to Tāpasapura with a drum being beaten and ruled the kingdom. ' Bhaimi said: 'Friend, a bad deed has been committed. Become a mendicant. Expiate (it). 'The mother's command is authority,' Pingala said. Two ascetics came there in their wandering and were given alms free from fault by Vaidarbhi. Bhaimi said to the sages, Blessed Ones, if this man is suitable, favor him by giving him the vow. They said,' He is suitable.
6
>
Jain Education International
"
145 805. Kites are great thieves and will snatch things out of a person's hands.
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
