Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 561 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 561]
O do the pretty prattlers sleep? on errands do they fare?
O have they wandered out afar in frolic or in play?
I cannot see their hands and feet, I cannot see their hair:
Was it a bird that swooped? or who has carried them away?"
To this the Great Being made no reply. Then she asked, "My lord, why do you not speak
to me? what is my fault?" and said:
"’Tis like the wound of arrow-shot, and still more bitter smart
(But Jāli and Kaṇhājinā I cannot see to-day!)
This is a second wound that thou hast struck me to the heart,
That I my children cannot see, that thou hast nought to say.
And so, O royal prince! this night since thou wilt not reply,
I think my days are done indeed, and thou wilt see me die."
The Great Being thought that he would assuage his pain for the children by harsh speech,
and recited this stanza: