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CHAPTER ONE joy to the lotuses of the eyes of the world, thriving wíth the collection of arts like tħe spotless moon with the collection of digits.
Brahman had four friends like the four faces of Brahmā. Among thèse one was Kațaka, King of Kāśi; another was Kaņerudatta, King of Hastiñāpura; Dīrgha, Lord of Kośala; and Puşpácūlaka, Lord of Campā. United by affection, the five lived in the city of each one for a year at a time, like the (five) trees of heaven in Nandana. One time they came as usual to Brahman's city and some time passed as they amused themselves there. When Brahmadatta was twelve years old, King Brahman died from a headache. After Kataka and the others had performed King Brahman's funeral rïtes, the four took counsel like the four methods embodied.
“While Brahmadatta is a child, one of us here in turn must be his protector for a year at a time, like a police officer."
By agreement they appointed Dirgħa to protect their friend's realm. Then the three went froñ that place to their respective homes. Then Dirgha, whose intelligence was small, consumed the wealth of Brahman's realm at his pleasure, like a bull an unguarded field. Dull-witted, without any restraiñt he searched out everything that had been concealed for a long time in the treasury, like wicked people the weak point of an enemy. Because of previous acquaintance he went unhindered into the women's quarters. For overlordship generally acts as a cause of blindness in men. He took counsel privately with Queen Culani more than necessary, striking with clever humorous speeches like arrows of Love. He scorned the customs and people favored by Brahman and he became attached to Culanī. The senses are hard to řestrain. The two of them-Culani and Dīrgha-abandoned love for a husband and affection for a friend-King Brahman. Alas! love crushes everything. Many days pass like an hour for them amusing themselves happily in this way as they liked.
The minister Dhanu, who was like King Brahman's second heart, learned of this. For their evil conduct was evideñt.
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