________________
TRANSLATION
301
138. The queen thought: 'What are they telling her ? I
will just listen, there will still be time for me to die.' 139. Reflecting on this she began to listen with close attention
as the courtesan addressed the rider with sweet words: 140. 'Give me the garland of campaka, lord, in order that I
may adorn my body with it and surpass the other
courtesans on the festival day. 141. If you do not give it to me I shall either die or leave you',
The rider replied : Do what you please. 142. I shall not give you this garland of campaka which is the
elephant's ornament for if it is given away the king
will take my life. 143. The attendant said to the rider: 'Who cannot be taken
by gentleness he is taken by harshness as was the
palāśa tree by the brahmin. 144. The elephant rider asked : 'Who was this brahmin ?'
The attendant said: 'A certain brahmin born in the
north country 145. who when he went to another realm saw a palāśa tree in
flower. Delighted in heart he brought back the seed
to his own country. 146. It was sown and watered and in course of time became
a big palāśa tree : but though watered constantly it
grew but did not flower. 147. Being angry he burnt some grass at its root, and through
this violence it attained the estate of a tree and flowered
quickly 148. If this girl will not abandon her stubborn misconception
even though advised in her own interest then what, good sir, is to be done so that her own interest may be
furthered ? 149. He who furthers his own interest also furthers his neigh
bour's and is greatly esteemed like king Brahmadatta's
goat.' Then said the rider : 150. How was that ?' The attendant replied: 'In the city
of Kampilla there was a king Brahmadatta by name son of Brahma, the twelfth world sovereign.
