[89] I have tried to render approximately the ambiguousness of the original. Women are designated, says the Brâhman, by the appellation of vâmâ_h_. Now vâmá means 'beautiful,' but pronounced with a different accent vâma, it is a word signifying 'left, contrary, opposite.' The Bodhisattva said: 'Do not think of that. My wife will not obstruct the fulfilment of my promise. She is in fact the companion of my pious practice[90]. But do as pleases Thy Reverence. Yet, great Brâhman, thou shouldst consider this: [90] Vi_s_vantara uses here the solemn appellation of sahadharma_k_âri_n_î (= 'housewife') with its full meaning. The formula sahobhau _k_arata_m_ dharmam is uttered in the fourth or Prâ_g_âpatya form of marriage. Manu III, 30. 59-61. 'How should these children satisfy thy wants by slavework? They are very young and weak and have never been accustomed to such kind of occupation. But the king of _S_ibi, their grandfather, seeing them fallen into this state of bondage, will doubtlessly give thee as much money as thou desirest to redeem them. Well, for this reason I pray thee, take them to his realm. When acting thus, thou wilt get the possession of great wealth and at the same time of righteousness.' 'No' (said the Brâhman), 'I do not venture to come to this king with an offer which would excite his anger; he would be unapproachable like a snake. 62. 'He would have the children torn from me by force, perhaps he would also inflict punishment on me. I shall bring them rather to my Brâhma_n_î that they may attend on her.' Upon this the Bodhisattva said nothing but: 'Then as thou likest,' without finishing the sentence. He instructed the little ones with persuasive words how they had to act in accordance with their new condition of servants; after which he took the waterpot, bending it over the outstretched hand of the Brâhman, greedy to accept the ratification of the gift. 63. Yielding to his effort, the water poured down from the pot, and at the same time tears fell without effort from his eyes resembling dark red lotus-petals. Overjoyed with his success, agitated by his excitement, and hastening to carry off the children of the Bodhisattva, the Brâhman uttered a short phrase of benediction, and telling the children with a harsh voice of command to go out, he prepared to make them leave the hermitage. They, however, could not bear the too intense grief of separation, their hearts shrunk together and they embraced the feet of their father. Bathed in tears, they exclaimed: 64. 'Mother is out of doors, while you are about to give us away. Do not give us away before we have bidden adieu to mother too.'