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TRANSLATION
199 792. Like arm protectors they are full of faults and like the
wind relentless and in them, as in a substance subject to decomposition, a beneficial element becomes a harm
ful one. 793. Just as the clusters of fruit of the kimpāka tree in the
beginning are sweet but later ripen bitter even so are
fickle women. 794. Mountain-sized houses of families of in-laws and of
families of parents have been destroyed by women
embarking on devious courses. 795. Who shall know the minds of these women whose hearts
are like thickets of reeds and lianas, who shatter hopes
and who talk with fertile inventiveness ? 796. A woman can give or take away, unsettle a man or con
firm him; if pleased she can make him live and if angry
she can at once slay him, . 797. If this woman who has been wedded in first youth can
act thus what hope is there from a courtesan? I will
leave her in Ujjain and pursue my salvation.' 798. Reflecting thus I went away from the house to her and
said to her : ‘As you had seen her so she is. 799. Let us go to the city of Magadha and remain happily
there.' She agreed and I went to the city of Rājagsha. 800. After remaining some days I again spoke to Magadhasenā:
When I went there I did not see my parents. 801. I will take leave of them quickly and then come here again
darling.' Reluctantly she let me go and I went to the
city of Ujjain. 802. After I had given pleasure to my father and mother by
seeing me I went to my own house and found my wife
as before. 803. Every day she used to make an offering before that urn;
whatever was to be set before anyone that she would
give him afterwards. 804. The next day she began to prepare a guest meal of pastry
for me ; so I said to her 'It is not to be given first to anyone else.
