Page:Sacred Books of the Buddhists Vol 1.djvu/342

 55. ‘Also by this I show it is I who am skilled in politics, that, leaving untruth, I delight in veracity. For no action is declared by competent judges in the science of politics to be well-managed which is not attended by good reputation, satisfaction, and interest.' The son of Sudâsa spoke:

56. 'What is that interest you perceive to be attained by holding on veracity, that giving up your own dear life, your relations who shed tears at your departure, and the charming pleasures attendant on royalty, you returned to me, in order to keep your faith before all?'

The Bodhisattva spoke: 'Many kinds of virtues rest on veracity. Hear but the succinct account of them.

57. 'Veracity surpasses splendid garlands by its lovely grace and every sweet flavour by its sweetness; and inasmuch as it produces merit, that excellent good, without toil, it is superior to every kind of penance and the troublesome pilgrimages to tîrthas.

58. ‘Affording to glory the opportunity of spreading among men, veracity is the way to its penetrating the three worlds. It is the entrance-door of the abode of the Celestials, the bridge to cross the swamps of Samsâra.'

Then the son of Sudâsa exclaimed: 'Excellent ! right!' and bowing to him and casting an admiring look on him, said again :

59. The other men come into my power, are paralysed by affliction, and fear robs them of their courage. In you, on the contrary, I see a splendid imperturbation. I suppose, you are not afraid of death, my prince.'

The Bodhisattva spoke :

60. 'Of what use is cowardous fear, the most unfit means of prevention, against a thing which cannot be avoided even with great effort ?

'Nevertheless, and though knowing the natural course of things in the world, people are poltroons against death.

61. 'It is the vexation of their mind in consequence