Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 523 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 523]
"I cannot fetch the water home, the women mock me so:
Because my husband is so old they mock me when I go."
Jūjaka said:
"You need not fetch the water home, you need not serve me so:
Do not be angry, lady mine: for I myself will go."
The woman said:
"You fetch the water? no, indeed! that's not our usual way.
I tell you plainly, if you do, with you I will not stay.
Unless you buy a slave or maid this kind of work to do,
I tell you plainly I will go and will not live with you."
Jūjaka said:
"How can I buy a slave? I have no craft, no corn, no pelf:
Come, be not angry, lady mine: I'll do your work myself."
The woman said:
"Come now, and let me tell to you what I have heard them say.
Out yonder in the Vaṁka hill lives King Vessantara:
Go, husband, to Vessantara and ask him for a slave;
The prince will certainly consent to give you what you crave."
Jūjaka said:
"I am an old decrepit man; the road is rough and long;
But do not worry, do not weep—and I am far from strong:
But be not angry, lady mine: I'll do the work myself."