Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 551 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 551]
In despite of these lamentations, Jūjaka came and drove him away with his sister.
Explaining this, the Master said:
"The children to their father said as they were led away:
"O father! wish our mother well, and happy be your day!
These oxen, horses, elephants wherewith we used to play,
Give them to mother, and they will somewhat her grief allay.
These oxen, horses, elephants wherewith we used to play,
When she looks on them, will anon somewhat her grief allay."
Now great pain arose in the Great Being because of his children, and his heart grew hot
within him: he trembled violently, like an elephant seized by a maned lion, like the moon
swallowed in Rāhu's jaws. Not strong enough to endure it, he went into the hut, tears
streaming from his eyes, and wept pitifully.
Explaining this, the Master said:
"The warrior prince Vessantara thus gave his gift, and went,
And there within his leafy bower he sadly did lament."
What follow are the verses of the Great Being's lamentation.
"O when at morning or at eve for food my children cry,
Opprest by hunger or by thirst, who will their want supply?