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162 TWO PRAKRIT VERSIONS OF THE MAŅIPATI-CARITA 334. If so then why does he besprinkle your feet with the
pus from his body?' The Blessed Lord said : 'Listen
and give attention. 335. There is a country called Vatsa, where festivals of various
sorts are held and where the people are made happy by constant entertainments, the ornament of the
Madhyadeśa. 336. And therein is a city Kaušāmbi resembling a girl with
breasts like golden pitchers; it is resplendent on the earth like an upright post at the confluence of the
river Jumna, 337. by its greatness a Lankā, by its wealth of pleasures a
Dväravati, by its charming aspect an Uttarakurukşetra,
by its riches an Alakā. 338. There ruled a king Satānīka of incomparable and im
measurable might who had succeeded in overcoming the armies of others and who had a hundred gleaming
lines of array - 339. He was a tree to the birds that were his suppliant people -
and like Simhaladvipa a mine of jewels that were spotless virtues; by the manifest fire of his valour he
consumed the hostile hosts. 340. There in that city there dwelt a brahmin named Sețuka ;
he was stupid and illiterate and had not studied the
śruti and śāstra. 341. There was the seal of poverty on his head, he was addicted
to pleasure and he had a knowledge of dancing. When
his wife Somadevā became pregnant 342. she said to him: Now I am about to give birth and
shall need maintenance, so earn some money.' He
said : What I am to ask for ?.' 343. She said : Garland the king aright with flowers and
fruit: you will not be prevented from entering and he
will be pleased and give you something.' . 344. The production of sugar cane, the ocean, the cultivation
of grain, all these result in the attainment of riches in one day and so does the king's favour.
