Simhasanadvatrimshika 5.p2

5.p2

"If there is a need, then determine their price and purchase them." Then the king had an appraisal made by jewel examiners of six crores of gold coins for each one; that much gold was given to that merchant, and a certain trustworthy servant was sent with him, and instructed: "O jeweler, if you return with the gems within eight days, I will give you an appropriate [reward]." He said: "Sire, within eight days I will behold your feet; otherwise, I deserve punishment." Having spoken thus, that jeweler went to his town with that merchant; [the merchant] gave him those ten gems. Taking those gems, as he was returning on the road, a heavy rain fell. Owing to that rain, a river flowed, overflowing both its banks. Then, unable to cross to the other shore, he said to a boatman standing on that bank: "O helmsman, ferry me across this river." He said: "O traveler, today this river is overflowing its banks; how can you be ferried across? Furthermore, a wise man should avoid crossing a great river. And so it is said: