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396 VAJJALAGGAM
[ 252*2252*2) The bee hovering about, touches such a critical point (part) (F* fì qi) of the lotus, that he sucks and draws away the honey in the lotus-plants (or, in the lotuses, if we read amator), even though it may be right in the roots (facturer fì).
252*3) Oh bee, do not feel distressed, but lie down (perch) somewhere in the absence of the Mälati. Surely one's heart's desires are not fulfilled when fate is adverse (unpropitious).
252*+) Oh bee, you who are greedy of profuse fragrance and are (consequently) shut up in the interior of the lotus, why do you feel distressed? Or rather, even others, who are addicted to vicious habits, do not get (any) happiness.
28. The Section on the Swan
263*1) Oh royal swan, you will go out and reach an excellent lake—what is surprising about that? But you will never come across anything comparable with the Mānasa lake, though you may roam over the entire earth.
263*2) Oh swan, do not remember the happiness which you enjoyed in the lotuses growing in the Mänasa lake. Matters that have come to an end (#4 = situa), by the decree of Fate, can be regained (only) with great difficulty.
263*3) The lotus-plant feels as much happy in the company of the swans as in the company of the bees. The hearts (minds) of women are not able to distinguish between what is pure (white) and what is impure (dark) (i. e. between what is good and what is bad).
263*) Even the abundant water (in the Mānasa lake ? or any ordinary lake?)was so soiled by the accursed aquatic creatures (Fig134), that there was no suitable abode for the royal swans even though they had come (to the lake) at the proper time.
30. The Section on the Clever (Shrewd) 284*1) Shrewd people, who never fail to observe formalities and who do not (?) change the colour of their face (even) in the
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