03.111
Lomaśa said;
But she established a new settlement to accomplish the king's business, both according to his message and by her own judgment, O Bhārata. (03-111-1)
Adorned with various artificial trees bearing flowers and fruits, and abounding with many bushes and creepers that yield desired sweet fruits. (03-111-2)
That place was exceedingly pleasant and most captivating. He made the hermitage by the boat, charming and with a wonderful appearance. (03-111-3)
Then, having tied that boat not far from Kāśyapa's hermitage, he had a pleasure ride arranged by men for the sage. (03-111-4)
Then, having entrusted the daughter to the courtesan and having accomplished this, upon seeing an opportunity concerning Kāśyapa, he sent her forth, as agreed by prudent counsel. (03-111-5)
She went there, and being skillful, reached the hermitage in the presence of the ever-austere sage, and saw the sage's son. (03-111-6)
The courtesan said:
O sage, is everything well with the ascetics? And do you have an abundance of roots and fruits? Are you enjoying life in this hermitage? Indeed, I have come now to see you. (03-111-7)
Are the austerities of the ascetics increasing? And is your father still undiminished in his brilliance? Is he pleased with you, O Brahmin? Are you regularly engaged in your self-study, O Ṛśyaśṛṅga? (03-111-8)
Ṛśyaśṛṅga said.
You, who are prosperous, shine like a light; I consider you worthy of greeting. I shall indeed offer you water for your feet willingly, and also, according to righteousness, fruits and roots. (03-111-9)
Please sit on the couch covered with silk and the comfortable black antelope skin, in whatever way is comfortable for you. Where is your hermitage, what is its name, and what is this vow you observe, O Brāhmaṇa, that gives you a divine nature? (03-111-10)
The courtesan said:
My hermitage, O son of Kāśyapa, is pleasant; there are no women here, for this mountain is far away. There, our proper custom is not to make salutations, nor do we offer or touch water for feet-washing. (03-111-11)
Ṛśyaśṛṅga said.
I give you ripe fruits—marking-nuts, āmalaka fruits as well, jujube fruits, and the fruits of the inguda forests; do what pleases you with the priyāla fruits that fulfill wishes. (03-111-12)
Lomaśa said.
She set aside all those and then gave him very precious foods. Those dishes for Ṛśyaśṛṅga were very delicious, exceedingly attractive, and indeed gave much pleasure to the taste. (03-111-13)
He gave fragrant garlands, brilliant and variegated garments, and excellent drinks; then he rejoiced, played, and indeed laughed. (03-111-14)
She played with a ball at its base; like a creeper bearing fruit, she divided herself. With her limbs touching his limbs and attending to him, she repeatedly embraced Ṛśyaśṛṅga. (03-111-15)
She, overcome by passion, as if shy, bent down and separated blossomed sarja, aśoka, tilaka, and other trees, and tempted the son of the great sage. (03-111-16)
Then, seeing Ṛṣyaśṛṅga disturbed, again and again pressing his body, she, watching carefully, slowly departed, having made agnihotra the pretext. (03-111-17)
When she had departed, Ṛśyaśṛṅga, intoxicated by Madana (the god of love), became bereft of sense; he, empty with the loss of her alone, sighing deeply and appearing distressed, became sorrowful. (03-111-18)
Then, after a brief moment, Vibhāṇḍaka, the Kāśyapa sage, having tawny eyes, whose body was enveloped with hair from the tips of his nails, endowed with self-study and steady concentration, appeared. (03-111-19)
Having approached, Vibhāṇḍaka saw his son sitting alone, meditating with a disturbed mind, repeatedly sighing and gazing upward; Vibhāṇḍaka addressed his troubled son. (03-111-20)
Dear, have not the sacrificial sticks been arranged? Has the Agnihotra offering been performed by you today? Is the ladle and spoon well cleaned? Has the sacrificial cow, along with her calf, also been prepared by you today? (03-111-21)
You are not as you were before, my son; you are absorbed in worry and dispirited. You are excessively dejected here today—tell me, what is the reason? I ask you, who has come here today? (03-111-22)
