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MARRIAGES OF ŚĀMBA AND PRADYUMNA 217 daughter to the caņļālas. Every one, indeed, seeks advantage for his own category. Though you were requested by Rukmiņi for her son Pradyumna, I, blind with anger, of little wit, did not give you, alas!”
While he was lamenting in this way, he heard the deep sound of musical instruments. His attendants, being asked “Where is that from?” investigated and reported: “Pradyumna and Sāmba, together with Vaidarbhi, occupy a palace outside the city which is like a heavenly palace, like gods. They, being praised by flying-ascetics, are having a concert, charming with the best musical instruments, performed. This sound comes from that, lord.” Then delighted, Rukmin led them to his house and honored them very much from affection for a nephew and son-in-law. Then Pradyumna took leave of Rukmin and went to Dvāravati with Vaidarbhi and Šāmba, a festival for Rukmiņi's eyes.
Pradyumna with fresh youth continued dallying happily with Rukmin's daughter with fresh youth like a new Rati. Śāmba sported with King Hemāngada's daughter, named Suhariņi, borne by a courtesan, whose beauty surpassed that of Apsarases. Sāmba got Bhiru to play constantly and defeated him. After he had made him lose much money in gambling, he, eager, made him pay. Making an outcry, Bhiru told Bhāmā; she told Vişņu and he told Queen Jāmbavati about Śāmba's bad conduct.
Jāmbavati said: “I have not heard about Sāmba's bad behavior for so long. Why is this, O you whose fame is wide spread?” Vişnu said: “A lioness thinks her son gentle and good. Elephants are the ones who know the sport of the young lion. Now I will show you his behavior.” Saying this, Hari assumed the form of an Ābhira and had Jāmbavati assume the form of an Abhiri. Both entered Dvārakā, selling buttermilk, and were seen by Prince Śāmba who was always roaming at random.
Śāmba said to the Ābhīri, “ Come, I will buy your milk.” She followed śāmba and Abhira followed her in turn. Šāmba 28 N
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