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TRANSLATION
637. Just now, disciple, this fear was provoked by the fearinspiring story of the fish.' Said Prince Abhaya: This is indeed so; for
638. as a general rule pelf constantly provokes evil designs among kinsfolk and is constantly the main cause of hate and an ocean of affliction.'
639. In the second watch the sadhu Suvrata came out and went in again saying: 'Maha-bhaya'.
640. Abhaya said to him: 'Reverend sir, how can you have any great fear?' The muni replied: Disciple, I experienced such a fear long ago.
641. Again Abhaya said: 'I would like to know about this.' 'If so listen attentively.'
642. In the country of Anga there is an excellent village called Vaṭagrāma abounding in cattle and buffalo and causing joy by the wealth of its inhabitants.
643. There dwelt I, Suvrata by name, the son of a village elder and married to a beautiful wife named Śrībhadrā.
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644. A band of robbers fell upon the village, the menfolk fled and I concealed myself in a place in the house. 645. Then my wife said to the robbers: You are stupid, you know nothing, why do you not take these women who are like an ocean of the pleasures of love?'
646. When they realised she was willing they carried her off to their stronghold and gave her to their leader who made her his wife.
647. Again and again my family said to me: Why do you not rescue your wife who is held prisoner? You are a coward, destitute of initiative.'
648. Goaded thus I went to the robber stronghold and sent a message to her by an old woman:
649. Your husband is here, he has come to release you who are unhappy and held captive.' She sent word to me: 650. The gang leader intends to come here to-day; when he has gone away in the evening come here unafraid.
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