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TWO PRAKRIT VERSIONS OF THE MANIPATI-CARITA 1216. One day two munis came there for food and drink and suddenly caught sight of the cock possessed of very fine plumage with parallel lines.
1217. Looking at the heavens the elder sädhu who was cognisant of the lucky marks of cocks then said, turning to the other one:
1218. 'Whoever eats the head of this fine cock will become a king.' The brahmin who was lying in the grass heard this 1219. and when the sadhus had gone he said to Vajrā: ‘Lady, kill this cockerel for me and give it me without hesitation.'
1220. She replied: 'I will give you other meat'; but he would not agree. Then at his command she killed and cooked it.
1221. Then her son came out of the study and said: give me something to eat.' She replied: ready yet.'
1222. As he began to cry she gave him the head portion from the meat and he ate it and went back to the study. 1223. At dinner-time when the meat of the cockerel was served on the brahmin's plate but he could not find the very part for the sake of which it had been killed.
1224.
'Mother It is not
1225. My little boy was crying and asked me for something to eat so I gave him the head.' He was angry and said: 'You wretched woman, you have done what you ought not to.
1227.
any
Was of this given to anyone?' She answered 'No'. He asked Where is the head?' She said resolutely when asked:
1226. Kill your boy and take out the head from his belly and give it me.' She replied: This is not right.'
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1228.
'If you do not do so, I will not be your husband.' Then out of love for him the wretched and depraved woman agreed.
'As soon as he comes I will do so.' These words were overheard by his nurse who at once took the boy from the study and fled with him on her back.
