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TRANSLATION
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235 1229. She told him the real state of affairs : You must not
be a bit afraid.' So saying she arrived at Pțșthicampā
with the boy on her back. 1230. There the king had just died childless and his horse had
been consecrated and whilst she was resting in the
shade of a tree 1231. the horse which was roaming about outside the city
came up to the merchant's son and whinnied and
moved putting its hind quarters in front of him. 1232. The notables of the city then brought the child and his
foster-mother with ceremonial into the city and conse
crated him in the kingship. 1233. Because of the circumstances the citizens gave him the
surname of Dhātěvāhana. He became a puissant king
whose achievements were spread abroad everywhere. 1234. Vajrā and the brahmin made away with all the merchant's
wealth and the serving men and women fled, being
without maintenance. 1235. One day Kāştha having amassed wealth came back and
found his household ruined and the servants gone. 1236. Asked the merchant : Where, Vajrā, are Sāgaradatta
and the nurse? Where are Madana-salākā and the
cock and all the servants ?! 1237. Next he said to the parrot who remained silent: You
not speak, my dear?' The parrot looked at her, and 1238. twisting her dress she said: 'I will wring your neck like
that if you reveal my story.' 1239. The parrot said : It is like this : if I speak, then through
the spite of this woman I am in danger of my life
whilst I remain here.' 1270. Kāştha got up in consternation and released him from
the cage; then flying up to the bough of a tree the
parrot told the full story. 1271. Where Sāgaradatta went to however I do not know,'
he concluded. Then Vajrā fled in fear together with the brahmin.
