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CHAPTER ONE
are my enemies. He will be considered your husband, whoever is desired by you staying here, after you have seen him.' From that time I, remaining constantly on the bank of the pool like a cakravāki, look at all travelers one by one. There is no success for my wishes. You, exceedingly difficult to obtain even in a dream, have come here from the accumulation of my good fortune, husband."
One day the village-chief went to plunder a village and the prince went with him. For that is the course of kṣatriyas. When the village had been looted, Varadhanu came and fell like a hansa at the lotus-feet of the prince on the bank of a pool. After embracing the prince's neck, he wept with all his might. Pains are renewed at the sight of a loved one. The minister's son was questioned by him, after consoling him with very gentle speeches like draughts of nectar, and told his experiences.
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When I left you at that time under a banyan tree, I went for water, lord. A little ahead I saw a large pool like a tank of nectar. After taking water in the hollow of a lotus-leaf for you, as I was coming back, I was surrounded by armed soldiers like messengers of Yama. 'Ho Varadhanu! Say where Brahmadatta is to be found.' Being questioned so by them, I said, 'I do not know.' Beaten unhesitatingly by them like robbers, I said that Brahmadatta had been devoured by a tiger.' Told, Show the spot,' I wandered here and there deceitfully. When I came to the road leading to seeing you, I made a gesture to escape. I threw a pill given by the ascetic into my mouth and, unconscious by its power, I was abandoned by them thinking I was dead. After they had been gone for a long time I took the pill from my mouth and, roaming to look for you like something lost, I came to a village.
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There I saw an excellent mendicant like a heap of penance in person and I paid homage to him. He said to me: I am Vasubhāga, a friend of Dhanu, Varadhanu. Where is Brahmadatta, illustrious sir?' Feeling confidence (in him), I told him the whole truth and he, his face dark from the smoke
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