Page:Sacred Books of the Buddhists Vol 1.djvu/204

 again by realising it, and affected with a pious love of the forest-groves, detach myself from my home with its vice-producing evil passions.'

Having thus considered, the Great Being forthwith turned back, and caused himself to be announced to the king : ‘The treasurer wants to see Your Majesty once more.' After being admitted to the king's presence, and after the usual salutations, being asked by the king the reason of his return, he said: 'I desire to renounce the world, and beg you to grant me your permission, Your Majesty.'

On hearing this, the king was troubled and alarmed, and said these affectionate words:

13. 'What ails you that, while I am living who love you more than your friends and kinsmen, you should want to withdraw to the forest, as if I were unable to relieve you from that pain either by my wealth or my policy or my great power ?

14. 'Are you in want of money : take it from my side. Is it some grief that makes you suffer: I will cure it. Or is it for any other purpose that you desire to withdraw to the forest, leaving your relations and me, who entreat you in this manner?'

To these affectionate and honorific words of the monarch he answered in a tone of friendly persuasiveness :

15. ‘From whence can there arise grief to those whom your arm protects, or sadness caused by want of wealth? It is, therefore, not sorrow that induces me to withdraw to the forest, but another reason. Hear what it is.

16. 'The report is current, Your Majesty, that I have taken the vows of a religious mendicant. A crowd of people mourn for it, and weep for sorrow. It is for this reason that I want to live in the solitude of the forests, since I have been judged a person capable of conceiving this virtuous purpose.'

The king replied: 'Your Honour ought not to leave us on account of a mere rumour. The worth of persons like you does not depend on public opinion,