Page:The Enchanted Parrot.djvu/23

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THE ENCHANTED PARROT
19


sorry for you, and I am come to warn you by showing you this bitch, and telling you her story. If you have got a lover I advise you to give him all he wants, and save yourself from the disagreeables of a future state like this. For the person who gives liberally will himself be the recipient of endless favours. It is said: " Those who beg from house to house, merely let you know that they are there; they do not ask for anything, for the liberal always give alms freely according to their condition, to those in need of assistance." '

" Saśiprabhâ was quite overcome by this address, and embracing Yaśodevî wept over her and entreated her assistance in escaping from the fate which seemed to impend. So Yaśodevî introduced Saśiprabhâ to her own son, and Râjaśekhara, who had been bribed with magnificent presents of gold and jewels, was quite willing to let her go, and thought that a great piece of good luck had befallen him.

" So Yaśodevî by her skill and cleverness cheated the prince of the princess, and gained her own ends. If you are as clever as she was, go; if not, stay at home — go to bed, and don't make a fool of yourself."