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time it was in a blaze of colour, so much so, that the whole city was as if lighted thereby.
Just at this time, when every tree shrub and plant was covered with blossom another Jugi, named Koema Jugi, came to the city and said to one and another, “ You, the citizens of this city, are covering yourselves with renown, but if you attach hiras[1] and manist to the branches, you will add renown to renown. The Jugi’s words reached the raja, and he was so much affected by them, that he immediately began to sulk, and on being questioned by his two ranis, he replied, “Do you not remember the words of the Koema Jugi?” They said, “Yes, we remember. He said, ‘if you place hiras and manis in this garden the whole country will be resplendent’.” “On that account then, I am sulking, and if I do not see hiras and manis, I shall not partake of any food.” At the raja’s words the two ranis returned sorrowfully to their apartments.
At that moment their four sons entered the house and asked for food. The ranis were annoyed, and said, “The raja, your father, is sulking, and you must have food and drink.” On learning their father’s state the youths were distressed on his account, and went to him weeping, and enquiffed why he was sulking. He related to them the words of Koema Jugi, and added, “Unless Isee Airas and manis attached to the branches of the trees in my flower garden, I shall not rise from my couch.” His four sons replied, “Is it for this reason you are grieving? We will search for, and bring them, and if we fail, then sulk again, and refuse your food, and die of hunger, and we will not prevent you, only listen to us this time and getup.” The raja was persuaded to rise, and having partaken of food he was refreshed.
† A mythical gem, said to be found in the heads of certain snakes.
- ↑ Diamonds