[647] Then that wise and steadfast one, Mahosadha, a seer of what is beneficial,
seeing Vedeha suffering (dukkhita), spoke these words:
"Do not fear, great king; do not fear, bull among chariot-warriors (rathesabha)!
I shall set you free, like the moon seized by Rāhu.
Do not fear, great king; do not fear, bull among chariot-warriors!
I shall set you free, like the sun seized by Rāhu.
Do not fear, great king; do not fear, bull among chariot-warriors!
I shall set you free, like an elephant sunk in the mire.
Do not fear, great king; do not fear, bull among chariot-warriors!
I shall set you free, like a serpent bound in a basket.
Do not fear, great king; do not fear, bull among chariot-warriors!
I shall set you free, like a bird confined in a cage.
Do not fear, great king; do not fear, bull among chariot-warriors!
I shall set you free, like fish caught in a net.
Do not fear, great king; do not fear, bull among chariot-warriors!
I shall set you free together with your carriages, troops, and mounts.
Do not fear, great king; do not fear, bull among chariot-warriors!
I shall drive the Pañcāla away, as one drives off a flock of crows with a clod.
Or else, of what use is wisdom (paññā), or even a minister of such a kind,
who would not release you from suffering when you have plunged into straits?"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.