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THE NÁGÁNANDA.
55

the coward Matanga already slain on the battle-field, like a mighty elephant by a lion which has sprung on him from afar.


Jímútaváhana (to himself, covering his ears).

Ah! how cruelly he speaks! However, let it pass. (Aloud.) O Mitrávasu! what is all this? Even something more than this might be possible for you, with such strong arms. But how should I, a man who through pity, though unasked, would give up his own body for the sake of another, permit the cruelty of destroying life for the sake of a kingdom? For my part, I can conceive no enemy except the Kleśas.[1] If, then, you would please me, pity that poor wretch, who, for the sake of kingly power, has become a slave to the Kleśas.


Mitrávasu (bitterly).

One, forsooth, who has done so much good to us, and is in such misfortune, is well worthy of pity!


Jímútaváhana (to himself).

His wrath is not to be averted. His mind, swayed by passion, cannot be turned aside. Well, let it be. (Aloud.) Rise, we will go in-doors. There I will advise you. The day is now ended,—for yonder sun, the sole object worthy of adulation, whose favour is solely for

  1. Kleśas.—The kleśas are well known in Buddhist theology. See Burnouf, "Lotus de la bonne loi," App. II. They are the ten vices, thus divided:—Three of the body, murder, theft, adultery; four of speech, lying, slander, abuse, unprofitable conversation; three of the mind, covetousness, malice, scepticism. In the Yoga philosophy there are five: ignorance, egotism, desire, hatred, tenacity of existence.