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94
THE NÁGÁNANDA.

is fast closing—my father, these vital airs are quickly leaving me in my powerlessness—but, "Through the merit that I gain to-day by protecting a Nága at the sacrifice of myself, may I still obtain in succeeding existences a body to be sacrificed for others.”[1]

[He falls.

Queen.

Alas, my son! Alas, my child! Alas, darling of thy parents! Where art thou? Tell me!


King.

Alas, child Jímútaváhana! Alas, the darling of thy companions! Alas, thou possessed of all virtues, where art thou? Tell me! (Throwing up his hands.) Alas! alas! woe! Firmness has now no home. To whom can modesty go for protection? Who in the whole world now possesses patience? Liberality has ceased, and truth has verily perished! Whither now can pity go, itself worthy of pity? The whole world has become void by thy departure to another, O my son!


Malayavatí.

Alas, my husband! How could you leave me and depart? O Malayavatí, how cruel you are! What do you not deserve for living so long after your husband?


Śankhachúda.

O Prince, where art thou gone, forsaking these people, dearer to thee than life itself? Assuredly now Śankhachúda will follow thee.

  1. He repeats this sentence from the end of the fourth act, where Garuda first seizes him.