Jataka 103 Weri

Weri Jathaka

Once on a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was a rich merchant, who had been to a village to collect his dues and was on his homeward way when he saw robbers on the road. At once he urged his oxen to their topmost speed and reached home in safety. And as he sat on his couch of state after a rich repast, he exclaimed, "I have escaped from the robbers" hand to mine own house, where fear dwells not." And in his thankfulness he uttered this stanza:

If wise, thou'it loiter not mid enemies

A night or two with such brings miseries.

So, from the fullness of his heart, spake the Bodhisatta, and after a life of charity and other good deeds he passed away to fare according to his desserts.