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