________________
146
CHAPTER SIX city, like an elephant leaving a forest, and in course of time went to Veņātaţapura. There, like embodied karma producing gain, he entered the shop of Sheth Bhadra.
At that time in this city there was an important festival thronged with townsmen in new and beautiful apparel and unguents. The sheth was bewildered by many customers and the prince tied up and delivered boxes, bags, et cetera. From the prince's magnanimity the sheth acquired a great deal of money. Indeed, wealth is the companion of virtuous men
even in a strange place. Asked by the sheth,“ Qf what truthful : and virtuous man are you the guest today?” Sreņika replied, “ Of you.” The sheth thought to himself, “ He is in person exactly the one I saw in a dream last night as a suitable husband for Nandā.” He said: “I am fortunate that you are my guest. Certainly, he (a guest) is a Gangā met by means of indolence.” Then the sheth closed the shop and took him to his house. After having him bathed and clothed, he fed him respectfully.
One day the sheth asked Śreņika, who was staying in his house, “ Marry my daughter, named Nandā.” Śreņika asked him, “How can you give your daughter to me whose family is unknown?” and he replied, “ Your family is known by your virtues.” Then at his insistence Śreņika married her, like Hari the daughter of the Ocean, with auspicious songs taking place. Enjoying manifold pleasures with his wife, Sreņika remained there, like an elephant in a thicket.
Prasenajit knew about Sreņika's experience very soon. For kings have a thousand eyes from the eyes of their spies. Prasenajit contracted a severe illness and, knowing his death (was near), then ordered camel-riders to bring Śreņika quickly. Then Śreņika, informed of the news by the camel-riders, told Nandā affectionately the news of his father's severe illness and started out. He gave (Nandā) words equal to a namecharm: “We are cowherds with a white house in Rājagrha." Thinking, “My father, suffering from illness, must not have additional suffering on my account,” Sreņika quickly mounted
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
