Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace
Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace
Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace
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Translation 561 <strong>Vessantara</strong>-Jåtaka<br />
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 561]<br />
O do the pretty prattlers sleep? on err<strong>and</strong>s do they fare?<br />
O have they w<strong>and</strong>ered out afar <strong>in</strong> frolic or <strong>in</strong> play?<br />
I cannot see their h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> feet, I cannot see their hair:<br />
Was it a bird that swooped? or who has carried them away?"<br />
To this the Great Be<strong>in</strong>g made no reply. Then she asked, "My lord, why do you not speak<br />
to me? what is my fault?" <strong>and</strong> said:<br />
"’Tis like the wound of arrow-shot, <strong>and</strong> still more bitter smart<br />
(But Jāli <strong>and</strong> Kaṇhāj<strong>in</strong>ā I cannot see to-day!)<br />
This is a second wound that thou hast struck me to the heart,<br />
That I my children cannot see, that thou hast nought to say.<br />
And so, O royal pr<strong>in</strong>ce! this night s<strong>in</strong>ce thou wilt not reply,<br />
I th<strong>in</strong>k my days are done <strong>in</strong>deed, <strong>and</strong> thou wilt see me die."<br />
The Great Be<strong>in</strong>g thought that he would assuage his pa<strong>in</strong> for the children by harsh speech,<br />
<strong>and</strong> recited this stanza: