Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 359

OMNISCIENCE OF MAHĀVIRA
319 Their maternal grandfather, Cetaka, embraced them when they arrived and looked on them like an heir-apparent with affection and respectful welcome. When Kūņika knew that they had gone to Vaiśālī, like a deceived rogue, his chin resting on his hand, he reflected: “I have no jewels, the elephant, et cetera and no brothers, either. I am deprived of both from the domination of a woman. Very well ! Since this calamity has happened, if I do not bring them back, what difference is there between me, enduring humiliation, and a merchant?”
Then he sent a messenger with instructions to Cetaka at Vaiśāli to demand the brothers who had gone with the jewels. The messenger went to Vaiśāli to Cetaka's assembly, bowed to Cetaka, sat down in the proper place and said with self-confidence: “ Hand over to Kūņika the princes Halla and Vihalla who fled here with the jewels, the elephant, et cetera. If you do not deliver them, you will cause the destruction of your kingdom. You ought not to destroy a temple for the sake of a nail.”
Cetaka said: “Anyone who has come for protection should not be given up; how much less these, my daughter's sons, trusting, dear as sons.” The messenger said, “If you, affording protection, will not give them up, then take their jewels and deliver them to my master, king."
Cetaka replied: “ This law is the same to kings and poor men. Certainly no one else is able to give another's property. Neither by force nor by persuasion will I take anything from them. For a daughter's sons, suitable persons for good works, are especially entitled to liberality from me.” The messenger, calm in the wind and fire of apger, went to Campā and told his master what Cetaka had said.
Then Kūņika had the drum of victory sounded. For the powerful, like lions, do not endure a challenge from others. The soldiers of the king, whose splendor was extraordinary, prepared at once for an attack with the whole army. Ten powerful princes, Kāla and others, were in front, having