Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 506 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 506]
That sin I now would expiate i’ the panther-haunted wood:
If you will wallow in the slough, yet I will still do good."
In reply, Phusatī said:
"I give you leave to go, my son, and take my blessing too:
Leave Maddī and the boys behind, for she will never do;
Fair rounded limbs and slender waist, why need she go with you?"
Vessantara said:
"Even a slave against her will I would not take away:
But if she wishes, let her come; if not, then let her stay."
On hearing what his son said, the king proceeded to entreat her.
Explaining this, the Master said:
"And then unto his daughter-in-law the king began to say:
"Let not your sandal-scented limbs bear dust and dirt, I pray,
Wear not bark-fibre wraps instead of fine Benares stuff;
Blest princess, go not! forest life indeed is hard enough."
Then princess Maddī, bright and fair, her father-in-law addrest:
"To be without Vessantara I care not to be blest."
Then Sivi's mighty fostering king thus spake to her again:
"Come, Maddī, listen while the woes of forests I explain.
The swarms of insects and of gnats, of beetles and of bees
Would sting you in that forest life, unto your great disease.