This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
90
THE NÁGÁNANDA.

Queen
(weeping, having covered her face with her dress).

The omen be averted! I will not weep. O Malayavatí, revive. Rise, my child, rise. At this time, if ever, look on the face of thy husband.


Malayavatí (coming to herself).

Alas! my husband!


Queen (stopping the mouth of Malayavatí).

O child, act not thus. May this omen be averted.


King (to himself, with tears).

Why do I not burst into a hundred pieces through sorrow, as I behold my son giving up his life, which, the rest of his body being destroyed, has retreated to his throat as to its last remaining stronghold?


Malayavatí.

Alas! my husband! I must indeed be very wicked, since, even when I see my husband in such a state, I yet live on!


Queen (stroking the limbs of the hero, and
addressing Garuda).

O thou who fearest naught, how could this body of my son, in the fresh bloom of youth, be brought by thee to such a state as this?


Jímútaváhana.

O mother, not so indeed. What harm has been done by him? Was it not in reality just the same before?