Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 580 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 580]
Let fourteen thousand chariots be yoked and well arrayed,
Their wheels well wrought of iron bands, and all with gold inlaid.
Let them prepare the banners there, the shields and coats of mail,
And bows withal, those men of war that strike and do not fail."
Thus the king described the constitution of his army; and he gave orders to level the road
from Jetuttara away to Mount Vaṁka to a width of eight rods, 1 and thus and thus to
decorate it. He said:
"Strow lāja flowers all about, and scented garlands strow,
Let there be pious offerings on the way that he shall go.
Each hamlet bring a hundred jars of wine for those who wish,
And set them down beside the road by which my son shall go.
Let flesh and cakes be ready there, soup garnisht well with fish,
And set them down beside the road by which my son shall go.
Wine, oil, and ghee, milk, millet, rice, and curds in many a dish,
Let them be set beside the road by which my son shall go.
Cooks and confectioners be there, and men to sing or play,
Dancers and tumblers, tomtom men, to drive dull care away.
The lutes give voice, the harsh-mouth’d conch, and let the people thrum
On timbrels and on tabours and on every kind of drum."
1
usabhaṁ = 20 yaṭṭhis.