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236 TWO PRAKRIT VERSIONS OF THE MANIPATI-CARITA 1272. By the power of fate she arrived at Prșthicampā. After
wards the merchant Kāştha struck by the words of
the intelligent parrot 1243. and by the hammer of destiny, shook his head. Look
at what results the evil tricks of fate produce.' 1244. Fate accomplishes actions which are not planned and
shatters actions which are well planned; it brings
about happenings which man does not even think of. 1245. I must put my mind to what is to be done : what need
is there of long deliberation. King of the parrots,
let me take leave of you, go where you list.' 1246. When the parrot had gone and Vajrā had straightway
fled with the brahmin he gave his property to religious
foundations and other objects and took the vows. 1247. He became a proficient monk and with the permission
of the sädhus led the wandering life. Arrived at Prşțhicampā he stayed in an ascetic's shelter where
there were no living things and 1248. from house to house begged for alms. In this quest he
arrived at Vajrā's house and was recognised by her.
Under the stimulus of her mean nature that dishonest 1249. woman threw her ornaments into his bowl together with the
gruel and then made an outcry. He was brought to
the king by the constable. 1250. The nurse recognised the sādhu and fell at his feet. As
she began to weep the king came up. 1251. and said: 'Mother, who is this sādhu ?' She replied:
He is your father. The king too fell at his feet and
he was known by all the people. 1252. Quickly the culprits fled and a pursuit was organised by
the king but they were not apprehended. Afterwards
the king, his son, addressed him : 1253. Why must you live as a monk, my father ? Behold the
kingdom: protect me who am a child and have no family. The muni replied : 'King,
