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190 TWO PRAKRIT VERSIONS OF THE MAŅIPATI-CARITA 678. You have been unmindful of the benefit conferred on
you in the household life.' I replied: 'I did not
know the distinguishing marks of you two.' 679. However the other monkey was brought near to me on
the next day after making a sign. Knowing their
distinguishing marks, I 680. took a sharp stone and struck him with a fragment of it
so that he was soon deprived of life. Then I took leave of the grateful monkey who had obtained control
of his herd. 681. I went to the robber stronghold and dug a pit to get into.
the house. As I entered and looked around 682. I saw that wicked woman sleeping with the robber chief
tain's brother. I drew his sword and at once cleft his
skull. 683. Seizing her by the hair and dragging her along I bound
that woman tightly and, threatening that if she screamed
I would split her head in two. 684. I went out with her by a side-track. In the end I handed
over to her parents-in-law my evil wife. I reflected : 685. Those who know the ... misery and dejection caused
by women and yet are not averse from them are fools. 686. Would that no woman might ever be born in anyone's
family! Even a virtuous woman is not to be trusted,
still less one who deviates from virtue 687. Women and rivers are alike in the fault of evil conduct;
setting out on wrong courses they destroy their families
and their banks. 688. A woman resembles a river: this is true; for just as a
river swollen with water destroys its two banks a woman under the influence of passion destroys two
families. 689. This nature of women creates misery and woe for every
man; for him alone they do not create this who has finished with their works.
