________________
372
CHAPTER TWO me from this Rākşasa of a bee. Save me!” The friend said: “Who is able to save you except Suvarnabāhu? Follow the king alone, if your object is protection.”
“Who, pray, threatens you, when the son of Vajrabāhu 331 is protecting the earth?” With these words the king, knowing that it was a suitable time, appeared before them. Seeing him suddenly, they were alarmed and did not do or say anything suitable. Knowing they were frightened, the king said to them again, “Does some one interfere with your unhindered penance here, fair lady?"
Regaining composure, the friend said: “ While Vajrabāhu's son is king, who is able to make an obstacle to penance of ascetics here? This girl was only stung on the face by a bee with the idea that it was a lotus. The timid-eyed maiden said, “Save! Save!'" The king sat down on a seat which she offered at the foot of a tree and was questioned by her with a pure mind in a voice like nectar.
“ You are shown to be some one uncommon by your form which is beyond criticism. Then say who you area god or a Vidyādhara ?” The king himself was unable to name himself and said: “I am the attendant of King Kanakabāhu. At his order I have come here to the hermitage to restrain those causing obstacles. The king's effort in this is great." ;
The king said to the friend who was thinking, “He is the king himself,” “Why is the girl tormented by that work ?” Sighing, she said: “She is the daughter, Padmā, borne by Ratnāvali, of the Khecara-king, lord of Ratnapura. Her father died as soon as she was born and his sons, seeking his kingdom, fought with each other and destruction of the kingdom took place. Ratnāvali took this girl and came to the house in the hermitage of her brother, Abbot Gālava. One day a sādhu who had divine knowledge came here and Gālava asked him, “Who will be Padma's husband?” The great
331 231. A variant of the earlier Kuliśabāhu.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
