..續本文上一頁aid he, "you can”t come with me. I have been warned that on the way there are beautiful she-devils who trap people who can”t resist the desires coming from their own five senses. Then they kill their victims and eat them while their blood is still hot. It is far too dangerous for you. I will rely only on myself and travel alone."

　　But the five would not listen. They said, "If we go with you, oh prince, we will force ourselves to keep from looking at those beautiful she-devils. We will accompany you to Takkasila." "If you insist, then so be it," said the prince, ”but keep your determination strong."

　　The she-devils were waiting for them in Devils Woods. They had already magically formed beautiful villages and cities with lovely houses and palaces along the way.

　　It just so happened that one of the prince”s five servants was easily enchanted by the sight of the curves and figures of the bodies of women. So he began to fall behind in order to admire them. The worried prince asked. ”Why do you delay, my friend

　　" "My feet ache," said the man, "let me sit and rest a while in one of these mansions. Then I will catch up with you." "My good friend," said the prince, "those are she-devils. Don”t chase after them!"

　　Nevertheless, blinded by the temptation of the sense of sight, the man replied, "My lord, I can”t turn away. Whatever will happen, let it happen!" Giving him one last warning. the prince continued on with the other four.

　　The one who remained behind went closer to the beautiful looking forms he was so attracted to. After pleasing themselves fully with the man, the she-devils killed him and ate him on the spot!

　　Then they went farther into Devils Woods and created another mirage of a beautiful mansion. They sat inside and began singing the sweetest melodies, accompanied by the lovely sounds of all kinds of musical instruments. One of the prince”s followers was enchanted by the sound of beautiful music. So he too fell behind and was gobbled up by the still hungry she-devils.

　　Farther down the road they created another magic mansion filled with the scents of all kinds of pine perfumes. This time the man who loved sweet smells fell behind and was eaten as well.

　　Next the she-devils created a fabulous restaurant filled with foods having the most heavenly flavors. Here the lover of the tastes of the finest delicacies wandered in and was devoured in turn.

　　Then the she-devils went still farther down the road, created soft luxurious beds and velvet couches, and sat on them. The last of the prince”s followers was one who loved the touch of the softest fabrics and the most luxurious comfort. So he too fell behind and met his death, and was quickly eaten by the ravenous she-devils.

　　These events left the Enlightenment Being all alone in Devils Woods. A certain she-devil thought, "Aha! This one is very strong-minded indeed. But I am even more determined. I will not stop until I have tasted his flesh!" So she alone stubbornly followed him, even though the other devils gave up the chase.

　　As she got closer to the edge of Devils Woods, some woodsmen saw her and asked. "Lovely lady, who is it that walks on ahead of you

　　" ”We are newlyweds," replied the lying demon, "he is my too pure husband, who ran away from me on our wedding night. That”s why I”m chasing after him."

　　The woodsmen caught up to the prince and asked, "Noble sir, this delicate flower-like golden-skinned young maiden has left her family to live with you. Why don”t you walk with her, instead of making her chase after you

　　"

　　The prince replied, "Good people, she is not my wife. She is a devil. She killed the five men who followed me and ate them while their blood was still hot!"

　　Whereupon the lovely looking devil said, "See how it is, gentlemen, anger can make husbands call their own wives devils and hungry ghosts! Such is the way of the world."

　　Continuing to follow the prince, the determined she-devil magically made herself look pregnant. Then she seemed to be a first-time mother carrying her make-believe baby on her hip. Whoever saw the pair questioned them just as the woodsmen had. Each time the Bodhisatta repeated, "She is not my wife. She is a devil. She killed the five men who followed me and ate them while their blood was still hot!"

《The Prince and the She-devils (Chap· 1· Five Meals in the Forest)》全文閱讀結束。