Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 494 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 494]
"So I by that same road shall go as they who do offend:
But first to make a gift, one night and day I pray them lend."
"Very good," said the agent, "I will report this to the citizens," and away he went.
The man gone, the Great Being summoning one of his captains said to him, "To-morrow
I am to make the gift called the gift of the seven hundreds. You must get ready seven
hundred elephants, with the same number of horses, chariots, girls, cows, men slaves and
women slaves, and provide every kind of food and drink, even the strong liquor,
everything which is fit to give." So having arranged for the great gift of the seven
hundreds, he dismissed his courtiers, and alone departed to the dwelling of Maddī; where
seating himself on the royal couch, he began to address her.
The Master thus described it:
"Thus did the king to Maddī speak, that lady passing fair:
"All that I ever gave to thee, or goods or grain, beware,
Or gold or treasure, precious stones, and plenty more beside,
Thy father's dower, find a place this treasure all to hide."
Then out spake Maddī to the king, that princess passing fair:
"Where shall I find a place, my lord, to hide it? tell me where?"
Vessantara said:
"In due proportion on the good thy wealth in gifts bestow,
No other place than this is safe to keep it, well I know."