Shukasaptati 9.6
Textus simplicior 9.6
- Language
- Sanskrit
9.6
tathāpi tu rājājñā mahatī /
yataḥ-
prabhuḥ prītisnigdhāṃ dṛśamapi na pāpeṣu visṛjet kutaḥ ślāghyāmājñāṃ praṇayarasasāndreṇa manasā /
atītyādityāgniprabhṛti bhuvi dharmendriyamayaṃ nṛpākhyaṃ hi jyotiḥ prasabhamidamaindraṃ vijayate //
So the king sent for Pushpakâra, and as he was a wise man, and of some importance, he made him valuable presents and asked him why he did not laugh, and why the fish did. He replied: " Family scandals should not be talked about. Loss of money, sorrow of mind, difficulties at home, fraud, contempt — these are things which no wise man ever publishes. Still the command of the king must be obeyed; for the glory of a king, equal to that of Sudra, has surpassing power on the earth; the very name of a righteous, energetic king, surpasses the sun in magnificence. Therefore I will answer your majesty's question. I found out that my wife was in love with some one else, and therefore grief stopped my laughter."
Translations (1)
- The Enchanted Parrot: a selection from the Suka Saptati — B. Hale Wortham 1911, English