They sent these two near a teacher to learn letters and sciences. After a number of years, one day, in order to look at this Prince’s learning, the King, having gone near the teacher who teaches the sciences, and made inquiry regarding the Prince’s lessons, [ascertained that] the King’s Prince was not able to [understand] any science; the Carpenter’s son was conversant (nipuna) with all sciences.
Thereupon the King, having become grieved, went to the palace, and said to the Queen, “Thy Prince is a decided miserable fool.[1] Because of it, I must behead the Prince,” the King settled.
Then the Queen said to the Prince, “As you have not got any learning he has settled to behead you. Because of it, leave this city, and go somewhere or other.” Having said [this], and, unknown to the King, tied up and given the Prince a package of cooked rice, and given him a horse and a sword and a thousand masuran, she sent him on his journey.
This Prince and the Carpenter’s son were very great confidential friends. Because of it, the Prince, having said that he must go [after] having spoken to his friend, went near his friend, and said, “Our father, because I am unable to [understand] letters and sciences, has settled to behead me. Because of it, I am going to another country.”
Thereupon the Carpenter’s son said, “If you, Sir, are leaving this city and going away, I also must go to the place where you are going.” Having said [this], the Carpenter’s son set out to go with the Prince.
Then the Prince said, “As for me, blame having fallen on me from the King, I am going; there is no reason at all for you to go.” That word the Carpenter’s son would not hear. Both of them having mounted on the horse, entered the jungle, and began to go away.
At the time when they had gone a number of gawuwas (each of four miles), it became night; and having gone upon a high rock, and eaten the packet of cooked rice that was brought, at the time when the two persons were talking the Prince saw that a great light had fallen somewhat far away. Having said, “Friend, get up and look what is that light,” when that one arose and looked, a great Nāgayā, having ejected a stone, is eating food.
The Prince said, “How is the way to take the stone?”
The Carpenter’s son said, “You go, and, taking the stone, come back running, without having looked back. The Cobra will come running; then I will cut it down.”
The Prince said, “I cannot; you go and bring it.”