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152
CHAPTER SIX originate? What city does she adorn, like a digit of the moon the sky ? Of what happy man is she the daughter, like Lakşmi of the Ocean of Milk? What pure letters form her name? With what different arts is she endowed by Sarasvati? Is her hand touched by a husband's hand, or not? ”
The ascetic replied: “ She is a maiden, the daughter of Cetaka, lord of Vaiśālī, belonging to the Haihaya-line. A depository of all the arts, her name is Sujyeșthā in accordance with her beauty and virtues. So you deserve to marry her. While you are in existence, if she has any other husband, surely you have been deceived by the third object of existence (dharma).
The king dismissed the ascetic and remained (where he was) with difficulty, wishing to go to Vaiśālī, having made wings, as it were, when he thought of her. One day the Lord of Rājagsha gave instructions for asking for Sujyeșthā in marriage and sent a messenger to King Cetaka. The messenger went at once to Vaiśāli, bowed to Cetaka and, skilled in making speeches, said what was neither flattering nor harsh:
“My master, Lord of Magadha, asks for Sujyeșthā from you. Surely, the request for a maiden is not a reason for shame even to the great.”
Cetaka replied: “Your lord does not know himself,156 seeking a maiden belonging to the Haihaya-line, when he belongs to the Vāhika-line. Marriage should be between equal families only, certainly not between others. So I will not give the maiden to Śreņika. Go, sir!”
When this was reported exactly by the messenger who had returned, King Śreņika was depressed like a soldier who had been defeated by enemies. Abhaya, who was there, the bee to his father's lotus-feet, said, “Do not despair, father. I shall accomplish, your wish.” Abhaya, the Kumbhajanman (Agastya)157 of the ocean of the collection of arts, went to
156 226. I.e. does not recognize his inferiority as a Vāhīka.
157 230. Agastya was born in a water-jar and was very accomplished and powerful.
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