Page:Sacred Books of the Buddhists Vol 1.djvu/232

 by the gentle words of Sumukha, he released me from the snare, and setting me free, showed respect and honour to me. It is for this reason that Sumukha, wishing this man's good, told him to bring us hither. May then our arrival cause happiness also to him!'

The king said:

78, 79. 'Having eagerly longed for your arrival, I bid welcome here to both of you. The sight of you is a feast to my eyes and causes me extreme gladness. As to that Nishâda, I will bestow a rich gift upon him presently. Having shown kindness to both of you, he deserves a high reward.'

Then the king honoured the Nishâda by a munificent gift of great wealth. After which, he again addressed the king of swans :

80. 'Ye have come here to this residence, which is yours, indeed. Pray, set aside, then, cramping reserve with respect to me, and make known in what way and how I may serve your wants. For my riches are at your service.

81. 'A friend expressing his wants in frank speech, causes a greater satisfaction to a wealthy man, than he could obtain from his riches. For this reason, unreservedness among friends is a great benefit.'

Then, being also very curious to converse with Sumukha, the king casting his admiring looks on him, addressed him thus :

82. 'Surely, new acquaintances are not bold enough to speak frankly to the newly acquired friend, in whose mind they have not yet got footing. Still, they will use at least kind language, adorned by courteous terms.

83. 'It is for this reason that I beg also Thy Honour to favour me with thy conversation. So thou wouldst realise my desire of acquiring thy friendship and increase the gladness of my heart.'

On these words, Sumukha, the commander-in-chief of swans, bowing respectfully to the king, spoke:

84. 'A conversation with thee who art great Indra's equal, is a kind of festival. Who, therefore, would not