Simhasanadvatrimshika f6.p4

f6.p4

Thinking thus, having found an opportunity on one occasion, he said to the king: “O King, I have a petition.” The king said: “What is it? Speak.” The minister said: “That Bhānumatī is seated on half of the throne in the midst of the assembly—that is very improperly done. ‘A king's wives are not to be seen by the sun,’ such is the statement of the treatise-writers. Moreover, various kinds of people come here and look upon her.” The king said: “All this is understood by me; what can I do? I have immense love for her; leaving her, I cannot remain even for a moment.” The minister said: “Then let it be done thus.” The king said: “How? Explain that.” He said: “Summoning a painter, having him paint the likeness of Bhānumatī upon a canvas, and having it mounted on a section of the wall standing before you, her likeness may be viewed.” That speech struck the king's heart favorably. Then the king, having summoned a painter, said: “O painter, Bhānumatī's likeness is to be painted in a picture.” That painter said: “O King, having observed her form directly with my own eyes, I shall afterwards paint her according to her limbs.” Hearing that, Bhānumatī was adorned and shown to him.