Page:Sacred Books of the Buddhists Vol 1.djvu/113

 ruin, the Sibis have taken this resolution. The royal prince must withdraw to Mount Vaṅka, the residence of the Siddhas; there he may exert his penance.'

Being so addressed for his good in very harsh terms by those dignitaries, who moved by affection and love spoke frankly, foreseeing the calamities to be expected from bad policy, the king was ashamed of the wrath of the chiefs of his people, and with downcast eyes, overwhelmed by the sorrowful thought of a separation from his son, he heaved a deep, woeful sigh, and said to the Sibis: 'If this is your peremptory decision, allow him, at least, the delay of one day and night. Tomorrow at day-break Visvantara shall accomplish your desire.' This answer satisfied the Sibis. Then the king said to his chamberlain: 'Go and tell Visvantara what has happened.' The chamberlain said he would do so, and, his face bathed in tears, went to Visvantara, who was at that moment in his own palace. Overwhelmed by his sorrow, he threw himself at the feet of the prince, weeping aloud. Then Visvantara anxiously inquired after the health of the royal family; the other said in a voice rather indistinct by affliction: 'O, the royal family is well.' 'But why are you thus excited, then?' Visvantara replied. Being so asked once more, the chamberlain whose throat was choked with tears, uttered slowly and in a faltering tone these words, interrupting and disturbing them by his sobs:

21. 'Brusquely disregarding the royal command, though it was declared to them in gentle terms, the Sibis, moved by anger, order you to be banished from the kingdom, my prince.'

Visvantara said: 'Me &hellip; the Sibis &hellip; order to be banished, moved by anger! What you say is out of all reason.

22. 'Never did I take delight in leaving the path of discipline, and I detest carelessness about my duties. What evil action of mine, unknown to me, makes the Sibis angry with me?'

The chamberlain said: 'They are offended at your exceeding loftiness of mind.