Page:Henry Mulford Tichenor - The Buddhist Philosophy of Life.djvu/55

 Rh chariot of the youngest of the Licchavi, axle to axle, wheel to wheel, and yoke to yoke; and the Licchavi said to Ambapali the courtesan: "How is it that you drive up against us thus?

"My lord," she said, "I have just invited the Buddha and his brothers to dine with me tomorrow."

And the prince replied: "Give up this m«al to us, and we will pay you well."

"My lord," answered Ambapali, "were you to offer all Vesali, I would not give up this honor."

Then the Licchavi went on to the grove.

When the Buddha saw the Licchavi approaching, he said to his disciples: "Let those who have never seen the gods gaze upon this company of the Licchavi."

When the Licchavi had come to the Buddha, they invited him to dine with them on the morrow; but the Buddha said: "I have promised to dine with Ambapali the courtesan."

And when the Licchavi had departed, and returned to their home, they said: "A woman of the world has outdone us; we have been left behind by a harlot."

The next day, Ambapali having prepared sweet rice and cakes, sent a messenger to the Buddha, who said: "The hour, gentle Lord, has come, and the meal is ready."

And the Buddha, together with his disciples, went to Ambapali's dwelling place; and when they had come they seated themselves at the places prepared for them. And Ambapali the courtesan set the sweet rice and cakes before