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224 TWO PRAKRIT VERSIONS OF THE MAŅIPA II-CARITA 1099. and that sword became a fragment garland of finest
flowers. They were terrified and recounted all this to
the king 1100. The king alarmed in his turn said: 'Bring Nāgadatta
here'. He was brought to the king's presence very
quickly and with great deference 1101. bidden to sit down on a seat that was offered him. The
king pardoned and interrogated him. He replied: 'Let there be security of life and limb for the man
of whom I shall speak.' 1102. The king said ' Very well so he recounted the whole
.story from the moment he saw the earring. The king
then showed him many honours. 1103. He mounted the back of a splendid elephant, paraded
with great pomp through the city and then entered
the palace with ceremonial music. 1104. The king ordered the constable to be banished but gave
him that security. He was deprived of his property
and well realised the fruit of evil. 1105. Nāgadatta was congratulated by his parents and family
and friends, and the merchant Priyamitra arrived
asking for his welfare. 1106. He narrated everything including the kāyotsargas carried
out by Nāgavasū. Then the merchants' son said:
'That is why the goddess wrought this miracle.' 1107. Nāgavasū agreeing, and Nāgadatta, too, at the merchant's
command the wedding was celebrated with pomp
on an auspicious day. 1108. After spending with her some years in that bliss where
even sleep which is but the closing of an eye is esteemed
a great separation, 1109. one day whilst sitting by the window in a state of happiness
the husband said : 'Darling, recite me at once a riddle.' IIIO. 'Tell me why some girl, seeing her lover (with his great
ardour spent) will bid him go and make love with another woman?' she asked.
