Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 544 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 544]
"No, mighty monarch, I would go; I do not wish to stay:
I'll go, lest some impediment should thwart me in the way.
Women no generous givers are, to thwart they always try,
They know all sorts of cunning spells, and always go awry.
Let him who gives a gift in faith not see his mother's face,
Or she will find impediments: O king, I'd go apace.
Give me your children; let them not behold their mother's face:
For he that gives a gift in faith, his merit grows apace.
Give me your children; let them not behold their mother's face:
He who gives wealth to such as I, to heaven he goes apace."
Vessantara said:
"If you wish not to see my wife,—a faithful wife is she!
Let Jāli and Kaṇhājinā their grandsire go and see.
When these fair children, sweet of speech, shall come within his sight,
He'll give you wealth in plenty, full of joy and high delight."
Jūjaka said:
"I fear the spoiling of my goods: O prince, I prithee hear!
The king may deal me punishment, may slay, or sell, I fear;
Sans wealth and servants, how my wife would mock at me, and jeer!"