Page:Asoka - the Buddhist Emperor of India.djvu/246

244 and verified the Whole body of the scriptures, and, after a session lasting nine months, dispersed. At the conclusion of the Council tl1e earth quaked, as if to say 'Well done,' beholding the re-establishment of religion. Tishya, the son of Moggali, was then seventy-two years of age.

THE STORY OF TISHYA, THE VICEGERENT

One day, Tishya, the younger brother of Asoka, and Vicegerent of the empire, happened to be in a forest, and watched a herd of elk at play. The thought occurred to him that when elks browsing in the forest divert themselves, there seems to be no good reason Why monks well lodged and well fed in monasteries should not amuse themselves. Coming home', 'the vieegerent told his thoughts to the king, who, in order to make him understand the reason why, conferred upon him the sovereignty for the space of seven 'days, saying, 'Prince, govern the empire for seven days, at the end of which I shall put thee to death.' At the close of the seventh day the king asked the prince:—'Why art thou grown so Wasted?' He replied, 'By reason of the horror of death.' The king rejoined, 'Child, thou hast eeased to amuse thyself, because thou thinkest that in seven days than wilt be put to death. These monks are meditating Without ceasing on death; how then can they engage in frivolous diversions?'