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THE PHILOSOPHY OF DUTY For but a week I lived the holy life With tranquil heart in quest of merit.
The life I've lived for fifty years Since then, I've lived against my will.
By this truth, health! Poison is struck downl Let Yaññadatta live!
Immediately the poison came out of Yaññadatta's breast and sank into the ground.
The father then laid his hand on Yaññadatta's breast and recited the following stanza:
Never did I like to see a stranger Come to stay. I never cared to give.
But my dislike, the monks and Brāhmans Never knew, all learned as they were.
By this truth, health! Poison is struck down! Let Yaññadatta livel
Immediately the poison came out of the small of Yaññadatta's back and sank into the ground.
The father bade the mother perform an Act of Truth, but the mother replied, "I have a Truth, but I cannot recite it in your presence."
The father answered, "Make my son whole anyhow!" So the mother recited the following stanza:
No moic, my son, do I now hate this snake malignant That out of a crevice came and bit you, than I do your father!
By this truth, health! Poison is struck downl Let Yaññadatta livel
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