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THE NÁGÁNANDA.
91

See. What beauty can there be in a body, loathsome to the sight, and consisting of blood, marrow, flesh, bones, and fat, covered in by skin?


Garuda.

O noble-minded one, I stand in pain, regarding myself as already consumed by the fiery flames of hell. Point out, then, I pray, how I can be cleansed from my guilt.


Jímútaváhana.

If my father gives me leave, I will point out the expiation for this fault.


King.

Do so, my child.


Jímútaváhana.

Listen then, Garuda.


Garuda (putting his hands together).

Give your instructions.


Jímútaváhana.

Cease for ever from destroying life; repent of thy former deeds; labour to gather together an unbroken chain of good actions, by inspiring confidence in all living beings; so that this sin, which has its origin in the destruction of living beings, may not ripen to bear fruit, but may be all absorbed in thy merits, as a morsel of salt thrown into the depths of yonder ocean.


Garuda.

Whatever you order, I, who was lying in a sleep of