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TRANSLATION
311 265. How shall suffering be told to him who has not attained
to suffering, who is unable to restrain suffering, who
does not suffer with the suffering ?' 266. Listening to her words I was seized by intense pity and
said: 'Lady, listen to a little verse of ine : 267. I have attained to suffering, I am able to restrain suffer
ing, I suffer with the suffering, so let suffering be told
to me.' 268. 'If so, then listen : the man who is on this empaling
stake is my husband brought to this condition by the
king's men. 269. He is still alive to-day, this is why I have come bringing
food at once but I cannot feed him. 270. So, good sir, lamenting because my efforts were fruitless
I began to weep when I was questioned by you who : showed compassion. 1271. So do me a favour : put me on your shoulders so that
I may feed this my husband with my own hand. 272. You must not look up towards me, noble sir, so that
I may not be ashamed as I am standing on your
shoulder.' 273. Letting go my sword on the ground I placed her on my
shoulder and she cut off flesh belonging to the man
on the stake. 274. Many drops of red blood fell upon me but I thinking
them to be drops of water stood calmly there. 275. At last I grew tired and looked upwards and saw the
terrifying action of that horrible woman. 276. My whole body quivering with fear I let her fall to the
ground, forgetting my sword which I had previously
left on that spot. 277. Whilst I fled with all speed and reached the city gate
she picked up that sword and ran along there after me. 278. And straightway with a blow of the sword that evil-acting
woman cut off one of my buttocks which was lying outside the city gate.
