Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 592 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 592]
After the month's merry-making, Sañjaya summoned his captain-in-chief, and said, "We
have stayed a long time in the forest; is the road ready for my son's return?" He replied,
"Yes, my lord, it is time to go." He sent word to Vessantara, and with his army departed,
following with all his host the road which had been prepared from the heart of Vaṁka hill
to the city of Jetuttara. This the Master explained as follows:
"The royal road was newly made, with flowers and bunting fair arrayed
From where he lived in forest glade down to the town Jetuttara.
His sixty thousand mates around, and boys and women places found,
Brahmins and Vesiyas, homeward bound unto the town Jetuttara.
There many an elephant mahout, the charioteers and men afoot,
With all the royal guard to boot were going to Jetuttara.
Warriors that skulls 1 or pelties wore, of mailed men with swords good store,
To guard the prince went on before down to the town Jetuttara."
The king traversed this journey of sixty leagues in two months. He then entered Jetuttara,
decorated to receive him, and went up to the palace. This the Master explained:
"Then the fair city entered they, with walls and arches high,
With songs and dances, food and drink in plentiful supply.
Delighted were the country folk and people of the town
To welcome back to Sivi land their prince of high renown.
All waved their kerchiefs in the air to see the giver come;
Now is a jail-delivery proclaimed by beat of drum."
1 karotiyā: sīsakarotiko ti laddhanāmā sīse paṭimukkakaroṭino yodhā.