“This maiden is clever,” he thought. Then he said with a smile, “You are very brilliant, O maiden, seeing that you have earrings and armlets.”
“The reason is, O Pundit, that both have little oxen,” said Viśākhā.[9] [[157]]
Then said Mahaushadha, “The maiden is of fair form and charming appearance.”
“That is through the favour of the village elder,” replied Viśākhā.
“Where has your father gone?” he asked after a time.
“He has gone to make two roads out of one. After collecting the twigs of the thorn-bushes, he uses them for making the road. In this manner he gives men two roads.”
“Where has your mother gone?”
“To fetch seeds from the fruits of the field.”
“Maiden, shall I take you to be my wife?”
“If the head of the village gives permission,” said the maiden.