14.056
Vaiśampāyana said.
He saw that king, terrible in appearance, with a long beard and mustache, besmeared with the blood of men. (14-56-1)
The brāhmaṇa did not become afraid. Then the king, who was mighty in energy, a maker of fear, and like Yama, stood up and spoke to him. (14-56-2)
By good fortune, you, O auspicious one, have come near me at the sixth time as food for the seeker, O best of the twice-born. (14-56-3)
Uttaṅka said.
O King, know that I have come here acting in the service of my guru. Moreover, the wise say that one engaged for the guru's purpose should not be subjected to harm. (14-56-4)
The king said.
O best of twice-born, my food is prescribed for the sixth time; today, being hungry, it is indeed not possible for me to abandon it. (14-56-5)
Uttaṅka said.
So be it, O great king; let the agreement be made for me. Having fulfilled my duty for my teacher, I shall return again under your authority. (14-56-6)
O best among kings, the object which I have vowed to the preceptor is dependent on you, O king. I beg that object from you, O lord of men. (14-56-7)
You give gems in all ways to the foremost Brāhmaṇas; O best of men, you are both a giver and a worthy recipient here on earth. (14-56-8)
O best of kings, know me also as the recipient in acceptance. (14-56-8)
O king, having done service for the Guru's purpose, which depends on you, O subduer of enemies, I will again return here and come under your control at the proper time. (14-56-9)
I promise you the truth; there is nothing false here. I have never spoken untruth before, even among my own intimates—how could it be otherwise? (14-56-10)
Saudāsa said.
If the object concerning the guru, which is dependent on you, has already been done by me, and if I am to be accepted right now, then tell me that. (14-56-11)
Uttaṅka said.
O bull among men, you are always regarded by me as fit to accept gifts. Therefore I have come to you to beg for the jeweled earrings. (14-56-12)
Saudāsa said.
O best of Brāhmaṇas, these beautiful jewel earrings of my wife—I shall indeed give them to you, O one of good vows, for the sake of a gift, or else (if you wish) another (gift). (14-56-13)
Uttaṅka said.
Enough with your pretexts; if we are indeed yours, provide proof. Give me the earrings and be truthful, O king. (14-56-14)
Vaiśampāyana said.
After this was spoken, the king again said to Uttanka these words: "Go, and on my behalf speak to the goddess: 'Please give (it),' O best of men." (14-56-15)
She herself, whom you have addressed, O best of twice-born, will surely give you the earrings at my word, pure-smiling one; there is no doubt.
Uttaṅka said.
O lord of men, where is your wife who can be seen by me? Or, for what reason does even your own self not approach your wife? (14-56-17)
Saudāsa said;
Today you will see her at some forest waterfall; at the sixth time, it is indeed not possible for me to see her today. (14-56-18)
But Uttaṅka, having been thus addressed, went forth, O bull among the Bharatas; and having seen Madayantī, he conveyed his purpose to her. (14-56-19)
O Janamejaya, after hearing the words of Saudāsa, she of large eyes then replied to the wise Uttaṅka. (14-56-20)
It is so, O great Brahman, you do not speak falsehood, O sinless one. But you should bring some token of recognition here. (14-56-21)
These divine gem-studded earrings of mine—the gods, yakṣas, and great serpents are always scheming by various means, ever plotting to steal them whenever they find an opportunity. (14-56-22)
If this is thrown down on the earth, serpents may touch the jewel on obtaining it; likewise, the yakṣas (may approach) what is held when impure, and even the gods, overpowered by sleep, may assail you. (14-56-23)
O best of the twice-born, among these weaknesses—even in those who are invulnerable, such as gods, rākṣasas, and nāgas—carefulness must always be maintained by vigilance. (14-56-24)
Indeed, gold flows by day, and by night, O best of twice-born, having withdrawn the light of the stars and planets, it remains (visible). (14-56-25)
O Lord, for these who have been liberated, how can there be fear from hunger or thirst? There is never any fear from poison, fire, or wild beasts either. (14-56-26)
When these are joined by a short (syllable), then they become shortened. And when joined in conformity, they arise in that proportion indeed. (14-56-27)
Bring that token of recognition—my earrings of this kind, indeed, most highly revered and well-known in the three worlds. (14-56-28)
