Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 524 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 524]
The woman said:
"You're like a soldier who gives in before the fight: but why?
And do you own that you are beat before you go 1 and try?
Unless you buy a slave or maid this kind of work to do,
I tell you plainly, I will go, I will not live with you.
That will be a most unpleasant thing, a painful thing for you.
When happy in another's arms you shall behold me soon,
Drest gaily at the season's change, or changes of the moon.
And as in your declining years my absence you deplore,
Your wrinkles and your hoary hairs will double more and more."
Explaining this, the Master said:
"And now the brahmin full of fears to his wife's will gives way;
So then tormented by his love, you might have heard him say:
"Get me provision for the road: make me some honey-cake,
Prepare some bannocks too, and set the barley-bread to bake.
And then an equal 2 pair of slaves with me I'll bring away,
Who without wearying shall wait upon you night and day."
Quickly she prepared the provision, and informed him that it was done. Meanwhile he
repairs the weak places about his cottage, secures the door, brings in wood from the
forest, draws water in the pitcher, fills all the pots and pans, and donning the garb of the
ascetic he leaves her with the words, "Be sure not to go out at improper times, and be
careful until I return." Then putting on his shoes, he puts his bag of provisions over his
shoulder, walks round his wife rightwise, and departs with streaming eyes.
1
Reading agantva.
2 Scholiast: "Equal in caste, quality, and position."