Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 501 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 501]
Like to a bird that sees the nest empty, the brood all slain,
Thin, yellow I shall grow to see my dear son ne’er again.
Like to a bird that sees the nest empty, the brood all slain,
I'll run distracted, if I see my dear son ne’er again.
As when an eagle sees its nest empty, its young brood slain,
So when I see the empty place long shall I live in pain.
As when an eagle sees its nest empty, its young brood slain,
Thin, yellow I shall grow to see my dear son ne’er again.
As when an eagle sees its nest empty, its young brood slain,
I'll run distracted, if I see my dear son ne’er again.
Like ruddy geese beside a pond from which the water's gone,
Long shall I live in pain, to see no more my dearest son.
Like ruddy geese beside a pond from which the water's gone,
Thin, yellow I shall grow to see no more my dearest son.
Like ruddy geese beside a pond from which the water's gone,
I'll fly distracted, if I see no more my dearest son.
And if you banish from the realm my unoffending son,
In spite of this my sore complaint, methinks my life is done."