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172 TWO PRAKRIT VERSIONS OF THE MAŅIPATI-CARITA 459. 'A fish does not live long on land, a flame does not burn
for long when it falls into the water, a frog does not croak for long when hit with blows from a stake : so
why do you wish to destroy us ?' -- She replied: 460. “The fish must live, the flame must burn, the frog must
croak, sooner or later the initiation must be taken. 461. If you do not give me this campaka garland ornament,
starred with excellent head-jewels and resplendent with a string of pearls then in your arms I shall abandon
my life.' – The elephant groom said : 462. 'A very thin thread will snap, a branch when bent will
break and a wife who speaks thus brings misfortune
to a good man.' - Magadhasenā said : 463. Not every thread that is thin snaps, nor does every
branch break nor does every wife bring misfortune
because she thinks that a good man is a bad man. 464. If you do not give me the campaka garland, etc...'
- The groom shook the elephant rider saying: 'You bad man.' 465. Charioteer, why do you waste words ? When the castor
oil plant is greatly bent it breaks but it does not give :
such is the nature of bad trees and plants.' - She said : 466. What is faulty only in name is not pernicious in every
part : a castor-oil plant is useful ... 467. If you do not give me the campaka garland for the courte
sans' etc. . ...' — Then the elephant groom said : 468. Gardener, why do you bother about the nim tree ?
What you are watering will give bitter fruits for that is
the nature of bad trees and plants. - She said: 469. What is not utilisable in one place why should it not be
suitable elsewhere ? A nim fruit when spoiled is used for medicinal purposes.
