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 492 <strong>Vessantara</strong>-Jåtaka<br />
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 492]<br />
To make this clear, the follow<strong>in</strong>g stanzas were said:<br />
"Rise, fellow, hie away post-haste, <strong>and</strong> tell the pr<strong>in</strong>ce my word.<br />
"The people all, <strong>and</strong> citizens, <strong>in</strong> wrath, with one accord,<br />
Uggas <strong>and</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ces, Vesiyas <strong>and</strong> brahm<strong>in</strong>s too, my son,<br />
Mahouts <strong>and</strong> lifeguards, charioteers, <strong>and</strong> footmen, every one,<br />
All citizens, all country folk, together here have run,—<br />
After the space of this one night, when dawns the com<strong>in</strong>g day,<br />
They will assemble one <strong>and</strong> all <strong>and</strong> banish thee away."<br />
This fellow sent by Sivi's k<strong>in</strong>g swift on his err<strong>and</strong> pressed,<br />
Upon an armed elephant, perfumed, <strong>and</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ely drest,<br />
Head bathed <strong>in</strong> water, jewelled r<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> ears,—<strong>and</strong> on he rode<br />
Till to that lovely town he came, <strong>Vessantara</strong>'s abode.<br />
Then he beheld the happy pr<strong>in</strong>ce abid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his l<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Like Vāsava the k<strong>in</strong>g of gods; round him the courtiers st<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Thither <strong>in</strong> haste the fellow went, <strong>and</strong> to the pr<strong>in</strong>ce said he—<br />
"I bear ill tid<strong>in</strong>gs, royal sir: O be not wroth with me!"<br />
With due obeisance, weep<strong>in</strong>g sore, he said unto the k<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
"Thou art my master, sire, <strong>and</strong> thou dost give me every th<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
Bad news I have to tell thee now: do thou some comfort br<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The people all <strong>and</strong> citizens, <strong>in</strong> wrath, with one consent,<br />
Uggas <strong>and</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ces, Vesiyas <strong>and</strong> brahm<strong>in</strong>s, all are bent,<br />
Mahouts <strong>and</strong> lifeguards, charioteers, the footmen every one,<br />
All citizens <strong>and</strong> country folk together now have run,<br />
After the space of this one night, when dawns the com<strong>in</strong>g day,<br />
Determ<strong>in</strong>ed all to come <strong>in</strong> crowds <strong>and</strong> banish thee away."<br />
The Great Be<strong>in</strong>g said:<br />
"Why are the people wroth with me? for no offence I see.<br />
Tell me, good fellow, wherefore pray they wish to banish me?"