Argument:—Conversation of the two sages, and relation of Human Miseries.
The Huntsman said:—Tell me, O sage! What then became of the world that you saw in your dream; relate in full all its accounts until its final extinction (or nirvána).
2. The sage replied:—Hear me then tell thee, O honest fellow, what then passed in the heart of the person wherein I had entered, and listen to the wondrous tale with proper attention.
3. As I remained there in that forgetful state of my transformation, I saw the course of time gliding upon me, with its train of months, seasons and years, passing imperceptibly by me.
4. I passed there full fifteen years in my domestic life, and happy with enjoyment of my conjugal bliss.
5. It happened there once upon a time, that a learned sage, came as a guest to my house, and I received the venerable and austere devotee with honour within my doors.
6. Being pleased with my honourable reception of him, he took his meal and he rested himself at ease, when I made him the following inquiry regarding the weal and woe of mankind.
7. Sir, said I, you are possest of vast understanding, and know well the course of the world; and are therefore known neither to fret at adversity, nor delight in prosperity.
8. All weal and woe proceed from the acts of men, engaged in busy life in the world; so as the husbandman reaps good or bad crops in autumn, according to the manner of his cultivation of the field (such is the common belief of men).
9. But then tell me, whether all the inhabitants of a place, are equally faulty in their actions at the one and same time; that they are brought to suffer and fall under some severe calamity or general doom all at once.