Argument. Abstraction of Janaka’s mind, from the Vanities of the World.
Vasishtha continued:—Upon hearing these sonatas of the Siddhas (holy spirits), Janaka was dejected in his mind, like a coward at the noise of a conflict.
2. He returned homeward, and conducted himself in silence to his domicile, as a stream glides in its silent course under the beachening trees, to the bed of the distant main.
3. He left behind all his domestics in their respective dwellings below, and ascended alone to the highest balcony, as the sun mounts on the top of a mountain.
4. Hence he saw the flights of birds, flying at random in different directions; and reflected on the hurrying of men in the same manner, and thus bewailed in himself on their deplorable conditions.
5. Ah me miserable! that have to move about in the pitiable state of the restless mob, that roll about like a rolling stone (or ball), pushed backward and forward by another.
6. I have a short span of endless duration, alloted to my share of lifetime; and yet I am a senseless fool to rely my trust in the hope of its durability.
7. Short is the duration of my royalty also, which is limited to the period of my lifetime only; how is it then that I am secure of its continuance as a thoughtless man.
8. I have an immortal soul lasting from before, and to continue even after my present existence, the present life is a destructible One, and yet I am a fool to rely in it, like a boy believing the painted moon as real.
9. Ah! what sorcerer is it that hath thus bewitched me by his magic wand, as to make me believe I am not spell-bound at all.