Simhasanadvatrimshika 5.p5

5.p5

Therefore, my task of crossing the river is common; royal service is paramount." The helmsman said: "What is that great royal service?" The jeweler said: "If I do not return to the presence of the king today with the ten gems, the king will punish me for disobeying his command." The boatman said: "Then, if you give me five gems from among those gems, I will ferry you across the river." Then the jeweler, having given five gems from among them to that boatman, crossed the river, came into the king's presence, and placed five gems in his hand. The king said: "O jeweler, have you brought only five gems? What was done with the remaining five gems?" The jeweler said: "Sire, listen; I make my report. Departing from this city, I went to his town with that merchant; he gave me ten gems. Taking them and setting out from that town, as I was coming along the road, an extremely heavy rain arose. Because of it, a river flowed with fresh water, overflowing both its banks. Considering that I had to behold the master's feet within eight days, I gave five gems to the boatman to cross the river, and brought five. If I had not arrived within eight days, there would have been distress in the master's mind owing to the violation of the command. And it is said: