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Go, live with the old man, Death is better than life." 487. "No, indeed, did they find you, Mother and father, O beautiful one; For you, from this Jūcaka, Find another young husband." 488. "No sacrifice have you made, No fire offering performed; That you serve the old man's feet, Being so young and mindful." 489. "Ascetics, brahmins, pure ones, You revile those practicing brahmacariya; Therefore, being young, I think you unite with an old man." 490. "Not painful is being bitten by a snake, Not painful is being struck by a sword; That pain is very intense, When one sees an old husband." 491. "There is no joy, no steadfastness, With an old husband; There is no pleasant conversation, Laughing is not fitting." When the young woman was brought, They consulted in a hidden place: "All sorrows will vanish, Which are rooted in the heart here." "You are young and beautiful, And a man desires you. Go, stay in your relatives' house, What will an old man delight in?" Weeping, she came, And was scolded in the house, By the Brahmin women, hurrying, Carrying a pot quickly. Seeing his wife coming weeping, "Why do you weep?" he asked. "Come, old woman," he asked, The Vajūka Brahmin went to meet her. "I will not go with you, Brahmin, To the river for water. The women scolded me, Because of you, old Brahmin." When the Brahmin woman spoke, How could the Brahmin not listen? Soothing his weeping wife, The old man said this: "Do not make me do work, Let me bring you water. I will bring water, Do not be angry with me." "I was not born in that family, Where you bring water. Know this, Brahmin, I will not live in your house." "If you do not bring me a slave or maid, Brahmin, Know this, Brahmin, I will not live near you. I have no craft or trade, Nor wealth or grain, Brahmin. From where will I bring a slave or maid, For you, lady? I will serve you, lady, Do not be angry with me." "Come, I will tell you, As I have heard the words. There is King Vessantara, Living on Vamka mountain. Go to him and beg, For a slave and a maid, Brahmin. When asked, he will give, A slave and a maid, noble one." "I am old and weak, The road is long and difficult to travel. How will I be able to go? I will serve you." "Just as without going to battle, One is defeated without fighting, Just so, Brahmin, You are defeated without going." "If you do not bring me a slave or maid, Brahmin, Know this, Brahmin, I will not live in your house. I will do what is unpleasant to you, That will be suffering for you." "On the days of constellations, seasons, and flowers, When you see me adorned, With others..." Here reveling, Suffering will be yours. 508. From not seeing you, An old man lamenting; More gray hairs and wrinkles, Will increase, O Brahmin. 509. Then that Brahmin, frightened, With his wife as follower; Distressed by lust, To his wife he said this. 510. Prepare provisions for me, All kinds of fritters; Honey cakes well-made, And food for the Teacher, O Brahmin. 511. I will bring the Methuna, Both Dāsa youths; They will attend to you, Night and day, unwearied. 512. She quickly prepared, Provisions, friend-afflicting; "Prepared" she announced, To the unfortunate Brahmin. 513. In the house, weak supports, The Brahmin made firm; For his wife's protection, He locked the guarded door. 514. Bringing firewood, He filled the pot with water; For his wife's comfortable dwelling, Not to go out from the house. 515. Before his wife's very eyes, He assumed the ascetic's guise; Seeing his wife thus, He advised, speaking truthfully. 516. From now on, good lady, Do not go out at the wrong time; Until my return, Remain heedful. 517. Having said this, not delaying, He packed the provisions; Putting on sandals, He took the staff and water pot. 518. Then, with tearful face, Having circumambulated his wife; Lamenting, he departed, To seek the Dāsas.