Page:History of India Vol 2.djvu/57

Rh life endures, has taken his refuge in them. Sin has overcome me, Lord, weak and foolish and wrong that I am, in that for the sake of sovereignty, I put to death my father, that righteous man, that righteous king! May the Blessed One accept it of me, Lord, that I do so acknowledge it as a sin, to the end that in future I may restrain myself.'

"'Verily, king, it was sin that overcame you in acting thus. But inasmuch as you look upon it as sin, and confess it according to what is right, we accept your confession as to that. For that, king, is custom in the discipline of the noble ones, that whosoever looks upon his fault as a fault, and rightfully confesses it, shall attain to self-restraint in future.'

"When he had thus spoken, Ajatasatru the king said to the Blessed One, ' Now, Lord, we would fain go. We are busy, and there is much to do.'

"'Do, king, whatever seemeth to thee fit.'

"Then Ajatasatru the king, pleased and delighted with the words of the Blessed One, arose from his seat, and bowed to the Blessed One, and, keeping him on the right hand as he passed him, departed thence.

"Now the Blessed One, not long after Ajatasatru the king had gone, addressed the brethren, and said: ' This king, brethren, was deeply affected, he was touched in heart. If, brethren, the king had not put to death his father, that righteous man, and righteous king, then would the clear and spotless eye for the truth have arisen in him, even as he sat here.'