Two Prakrit Versions of Manipati Charitra

SR No.: 007017
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: R Williams
Publisher: Royal Asiatic Society
Publication Year: 1959
Total Pages: 384
Language: English, Prakrit
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

Page 224

211
939. Just as out of compassion for living beings Metarya did not reveal the curlew's fault so too for us it is unfitting to reveal a name.
TRANSLATION
940. The merchant Kuñcika said: 'I have listened to the parable you have narrated; now listen to mine and give heed to it, Manipati.'
941. In the city of Campa there was a king Jitaśatru who had vanquished his enemies. He had a wife who was like Śrī in beauty and like Sarasvati in the sweetness of her voice;
942. Her name was Sukumālikā and she was as delicate as a garland of sirişa flowers. He was so deeply enamoured of her that he neglected his kingdom and was dead to shame.
943. As the people began to be harassed by neighbouring kings and by marauders and others, the citizens announced to his son:
944.
'When the substance of the kingdom is ruined what will you do? Therefore protect the kingdom which is being ruined by banishing the king who is attached to sensual pleasures.'
945. So he took the fourfold armed forces into his hands and had a potent intoxicating liquor given to the king (together with the queen) so that he became very drunk.
946. He had him guarded by his men and quickly abandoned in the great forest. When dawn came and the state of intoxication had worn off.
947. they woke up and seeing the streams and mountains they reflected: 'We have been expelled so let us go to some other country.'
948. As she walked along with parched lips and veins and throat and palate, the queen said: 'If you do not fetch me water I shall perish.'
949. The king climbed a tree and looked for water but could not see any there. Then, his mind deluded by his love for her, he opened veins in his arms and