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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 01:54:06 -0700 |
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diff --git a/22782-h/22782-h.htm b/22782-h/22782-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f0d5341 --- /dev/null +++ b/22782-h/22782-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3975 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Buddha, by Paul Carus + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + a[name] { position:absolute; } + a:link {color:#0000ff; background-color:#FFFFFF; + text-decoration:none; } + a:visited {color:#0000ff; background-color:#FFFFFF; + text-decoration:none; } + a:hover { color:#ff0000; background-color:#FFFFFF; } + + table { width:60%; padding: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + .tb1 { width:80%; padding: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + .tocpg {text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;} + .tr {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; margin-top: 5%; margin-bottom: 5%; padding: 2em; + background-color: #f6f2f2; color: black; border: solid black 1px;} + .f1 { margin-left: 20em; } + .f2 { margin-left: 15em; } + .f3 { margin-left: 10em; } + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + font-style:normal; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: text-bottom; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Buddha, by Paul Carus + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Buddha + A Drama in Five Acts and Four Interludes + +Author: Paul Carus + +Release Date: September 27, 2007 [EBook #22782] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BUDDHA *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Sankar Viswanathan, +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="tr"><p class="center">Transcriber's Note:</p> +<p class="center">The spelling, accents, and diacritical marks of Sanskrit names is not + consistent in the book. The Table of Contents is not part of + the original book.</p></div> + + +<h1>THE BUDDHA</h1> + +<h2>A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS AND<br /> +FOUR INTERLUDES</h2> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h3>BY</h3> +<p> </p> +<h2>PAUL CARUS</h2> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h3>CHICAGO</h3> +<h3>THE OPEN COURT PUBLISHING CO.</h3> +<h3>LONDON: 149 Strand</h3> +<h3>1913</h3> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS +</h2> +<table summary="Contents"> + <tr> + <td><a href="#DIRECTIONS_TO_THE_STAGE_MANAGER"><b>DIRECTIONS TO THE STAGE MANAGER.</b></a></td> + <td> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><a href="#CAST_OF_CHARACTERS"><b>CAST OF CHARACTERS.</b></a></td> + <td> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><a href="#GLOSSARY_OF_FOREIGN_TERMS"><b>GLOSSARY OF FOREIGN TERMS.</b></a></td> + <td> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><a href="#ACT_I"><b>ACT I.</b></a></td> + <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><a href="#ACT_II"><b>ACT II.</b></a></td> + <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><a href="#ACT_III"><b>ACT III.</b></a></td> + <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><a href="#ACT_IV"><b>ACT IV.</b></a></td> + <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><a href="#ACT_V"><b>ACT V.</b></a></td> + <td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> + </tr> +</table> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="DIRECTIONS_TO_THE_STAGE_MANAGER" id="DIRECTIONS_TO_THE_STAGE_MANAGER"></a>DIRECTIONS TO THE STAGE MANAGER.</h2> + + +<p>The scenery can be made very attractive by both historical accuracy +and a display of Oriental luxury, but the drama may easily be +performed with simple means at a small cost without losing its +dramatic effect. Some of the changes, however, should be very rapid. +The interludes can be replaced by lantern slide pictures, or may be +omitted.</p> + +<p>If the interludes are retained there need not be any intermission in +the whole drama.</p> + +<p>The music for the Buddha's Hymn of Victory, pages 5 and 39 (see <i>The +Open Court</i>, XIX, 49); the dirge on page 19, (<i>Open Court</i>, XIX, 567); +Yasōdhara's Song, page 37 (<i>Open Court</i>, XVIII, 625); and the +Doxology, page 63 and at the end (<i>Open Court</i>, XVIII, 627), may be +found in a collection entitled <i>Buddhist Hymns</i> (Chicago, Open Court +Publishing Co., 1911).</p> + +<h4>COPYRIGHT BY</h4> +<h3>THE OPEN COURT PUBLISHING CO.</h3> +<h3>1913</h3> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CAST_OF_CHARACTERS" id="CAST_OF_CHARACTERS"></a>CAST OF CHARACTERS.</h2> + +<p class="center"><i>All vowels to be pronounced as in Italian.</i></p> +<table summary="Cast of Characters" class="tb1"> + <tr> + <td>Siddháttha Gótama, Prince of the Sakyas, later on the Buddha</td> + <td><i>B</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Suddhōdana, King of the Sakyas, father of Siddháttha</td> + <td><i>S</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Pajāpati, Queen of the Sakyas, aunt and stepmother of Siddháttha</td> + <td><i>P</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Princess Yasōdhara, Siddháttha's wife</td> + <td><i>Y</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Rāhula, Yasōdhara's son</td> + <td><i>R</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Devadatta, brother of Yasōdhara</td> + <td><i>Dd</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Kāla Udāyin, a gardener's son</td> + <td><i>K</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Gopa, Yasōdhara's maid</td> + <td><i>G</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Visākha, a Brahman, Prime Minister of Suddhōdana</td> + <td><i>V</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Dēvala, a Sakya Captain</td> + <td><i>D</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Bimbisara, King of Magadha</td> + <td><i>Bb</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Ambapali, King Bimbisara's favorite</td> + <td><i>Ap</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Nāgadēva, Prime Minister of Mágadha, leader of an embassy</td> + <td><i>N</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>General Siha, in the service of King Bimbisara</td> + <td><i>GS</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Jēta, Prince of Northern Kosala</td> + <td><i>J</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Anātha Pindika, a wealthy man of Sāvattha</td> + <td><i>A</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Māra, the Evil One</td> + <td><i>M</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Channa, Prince Siddháttha's groom</td> + <td><i>Ch</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Master of Ceremonies at Magadha</td> + <td><i>Mc</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>General Siha's Captain</td> + <td><i>C</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>A Brahman Priest</td> + <td><i>Pr</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>A Farmer</td> + <td><i>F</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Servant</td> + <td><i>St</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="2">Ministers, Officers, Soldiers, Trumpeters, Villagers, A Shepherd. +Singers: Māra's Daughters, Angels, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva.</td> + + </tr> +</table> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="GLOSSARY_OF_FOREIGN_TERMS" id="GLOSSARY_OF_FOREIGN_TERMS"></a>GLOSSARY OF FOREIGN TERMS.</h2> + + +<p> +Buddha, the Enlightened One, the Saviour.<br /> +<br /> +Bodhi, enlightenment or wisdom.<br /> +<br /> +Bodhisatta, a seeker of the bodhi, one who endeavors to become a Buddha.<br /> +<br /> +Bodhi tree, the tree under which Buddha acquires enlightenment.<br /> +<br /> +Muni, thinker or sage.<br /> +<br /> +Sakyamuni, the Sage of the Sakyas, the Buddha.<br /> +<br /> +Tathāgata, a title of Buddha, which probably means "The Perfect One," or "he who has reached completion."<br /> +<br /> +Nirvāna (in Pali, "Nibbana") eternal bliss.<br /> +<br /> +Kapilavatthu, capital of the Sakyas.<br /> +<br /> +Kōsala, an Indian state divided into Northern and Southern Kōsala.<br /> +<br /> +Sāvátthi, capital of Northern Kōsala.<br /> +<br /> +Jētavana, the pleasure garden of Prince Jēta at Sāvátthi.<br /> +<br /> +Mágadha, a large kingdom in the Ganges Valley.<br /> +<br /> +Rājagáha, capital of Magadha.<br /> +<br /> +Uruvēla, a place near Benares.<br /> +<br /> +Arāda and U'draka, two philosophers.<br /> +<br /> +Licchávi, a princely house of Vesali.<br /> +<br /> +Nirgrántha (lit. "liberated from bonds"), a name adopted by the adherents of the Jaina sect.<br /> +<br /> +Indra, in the time of Buddha worshiped by the people as the most powerful god.<br /> +<br /> +Issara, the Lord, a name of God Indra.<br /> +<br /> +Yama, the god of death.<br /> +<br /> +Káli, a Brahman goddess, called also Durga.<br /> +</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="ACT_I" id="ACT_I"></a>ACT I.</h2> + + +<h2>FIRST SCENE.</h2> +<p>[A tropical garden in Kapilavatthu, in the background mountains, at a +distance the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. On the right near the +front a marble bench surrounded with bushes. Further back the palace +entrance of the Raja's residence. Above the entrance a balcony. On the +left a fortified gate with a guard house; all built luxuriously in +antique Indian style.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Present</i>: <span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span>, <i>the king</i> (<i>S</i>); <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span>, <i>the +queen</i> (<i>P</i>), <i>and the minister of state</i> <span class="smcap">Visakha</span> (<i>V</i>).</p></div> + +<p> +<i>S.</i> My son Siddhattha truly loves his wife,<br /> +And since their wedlock has been blessed by this<br /> +Sweet, promising, this hale and healthy child,<br /> +His melancholy will give way to joy,<br /> +And we reclaim his noble energies<br /> +To do good service for our race and state.<br /> +New int'rests and new duties give new courage<br /> +And thus this babe will prove his father's saviour<br /> +For he will tie his soul to life again.<br /> +<br /> +<i>P.</i> I fear his grief lies deeper than you think.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> What sayest thou, my trusty counselor?<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> This is the last hope which I have for him,<br /> +I followed your advice and tried all means<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>To cure Siddhattha of his pensive mood.<br /> +I taught him all that will appeal to man:<br /> +The sports of youth, the joy of poetry<br /> +And art, the grandeur of our ancient lore,<br /> +The pleasures e'en of wanton sense; but naught<br /> +Would satisfy the yearnings of his heart.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Yet for religion he shows interest:<br /> +He ponders on the problems of the world.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> Indeed he ponders on life's meaning much,<br /> +Investigates the origin of things<br /> +But irreligious are his ways of thought.<br /> +He shows no reverence for Issara,<br /> +And Indra is to him a fairy tale.<br /> +He grudgeth to the gods a sacrifice<br /> +And sheddeth tears at immolated lambs.<br /> +Oh no! he's not religious. If he were,<br /> +His ills could easily be cured by faith,<br /> +By confidence in Issara, the Lord.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> What then is your opinion of the case?<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> Siddhattha is a youth of rarest worth,<br /> +And he surpasseth men in every virtue<br /> +Except in one.—He is too independent:<br /> +He recognizeth no authority,<br /> +Neither of men nor gods. He suffereth<br /> +[<i>More and more impressively</i>]<br /> +From the incurable disease of thought.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Cure thought with thought, teach him philosophy,<br /> +Show him the purpose of our holy writ.<br /> +Instruct him in the meaning of the Vedas,<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>Reveal to him their esoteric sense.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> My lord, I did, but he is critical,<br /> +He makes objections and will not believe.<br /> +He raises questions which I cannot answer,<br /> +And his conclusions are most dangerous.<br /> +<br /> +<i>P.</i> It seems to me that you exaggerate;<br /> +Siddhattha is not dangerous. He is<br /> +As gentle as my sister was, his mother,<br /> +And almost overkind to every one.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> I know, my gracious lady, but e'en kindness<br /> +May harmful be, if it is out of place.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> I see no danger in his gentle nature.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> But he lacks strength, decision, warlike spirit.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> That cometh with maturer years.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i><span class="f2">I doubt it:</span><br /> +Your son, my Lord, not only hath no faith<br /> +In holy writ, neither does he believe<br /> +In caste-distinction, and he would upset<br /> +The sanctioned order of our institutions.<br /> +He would abolish sacrifice and holdeth<br /> +The Brahman ritual in deep contempt.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Your words alarm me.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i><span class="f3">Rightly so; I fear</span><br /> +That he will stir the people to rebellion;<br /> +But since a child is born to him, his mind<br /> +May turn from dreams to practical affairs.<br /> +There are some men who care not for themselves,<br /> +Who scorn high caste, position, wealth and honor,<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>So far as they themselves may be concerned,<br /> +But they are anxious for their children's fortune,<br /> +And so Siddhattha soon may change his views.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Let us be patient for a while yet longer.<br /> +Keep everything unpleasant out of sight,<br /> +Invite him merry company. Remove<br /> +His gloomy cousin Devadatta. He tries<br /> +To reach a state of bliss by fasts,<br /> +His very play is penance and contrition.<br /> +<br /> +<i>P.</i> Ananda is a better boon companion,<br /> +He is not so morose as Devadatta.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Neither is he the right friend for my son.<br /> +I grant he has a loving disposition,<br /> +But he is pensive too. Surround Siddhattha<br /> +With lads such as the gardner's jolly son,<br /> +Kala Udayin. Like a lark he warbles!<br /> +Would there were more like him. He jokes and laughs<br /> +And never makes a sullen face. But tell me<br /> +How is to-day Kala Udayin's father?<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> His sickness turns from bad to worse. I fear<br /> +He cannot live.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> [<i>with concern</i>] Have him removed from here;<br /> +Siddhattha likes him much and if he knew<br /> +Udayin's sorry fate, it might undo<br /> +All good effects of joyful fatherhood.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> The best will be to move him in the night.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Move him by night, and do it soon.—But hush,<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>Yasodhara is coming with her babe.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> (<i>Y</i>) <i>and two attendant maids, one carries an +umbrella, shading the Princess; the other,</i> <span class="smcap">Gopa</span> (<i>G</i>), +<i>carries the infant</i>.</p></div> + +<p> +<i>P.</i> [<i>meets her and kisses her.</i>]<br /> +Welcome, thou sweetest flower of our garden,<br /> +Thou ray of sunshine in Siddhattha's life.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> My dearest daughter! how is Rahula?<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> My royal father, Rahula is growing,<br /> +And he increases daily in his weight;<br /> +To-day he smiled at me most cunningly.<br /> +I'll lay him down, for he is fast asleep.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>All enter the palace. The stage remains empty a moment. +Soft, serious music (Buddha's "Hymn of Victory") is heard.</i></p></div> + + +<h2>SECOND SCENE.</h2> +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> (<i>B</i>) <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Kala Udayin</span> (<i>K</i>) <i>enter</i>.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p> +<p><i>K.</i> My sweet Prince, when you are king you must appoint me court +jester. Will you, my good Lord? We two are good contrasts: You full of +dignity upon a royal throne, a golden crown upon your head, the +scepter in your hand, and I dressed in motley with cap and bells. +Heigh ho! That will be jolly. And after all we are so much alike!</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> A royal crown shall never grace my head.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> And why should it not, sweet Prince?</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> I have a higher aim, a greater mission.<br /> +What is a kingdom? What are wealth and power?<br /> +What crown and scepter? They are transient things,<br /> +I yearn for the Immortal state, Nirvana.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Then wilt thou be a Buddha? Oh, even then will I follow thee.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He kneels down with clasped hands.</i></p></div> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Wilt thou a holy Buddha be,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O keep me in thy company<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Though I'm a jester. I'll be good.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let me attain beatitude.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Rise Kala, rise, I am a mortal man,<br /> +I'm not omniscient, nor have I yet<br /> +Attained the goal of goals, enlightenment.—<br /> +Tell me, why dost thou think we are alike?<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> My Lord, you have no ambition to be a king; you think the world +is full of vanity, and you consider that life and its glory will pass +away. That is exactly what I think. I agree with you. Only, you are of +a serious disposition and take the matter to heart, while I think it +is great fun. What is the use of thinking so much. We are all like +bubbles: we float in the air, and then the bubble bursts and this life +is over. I am now a poor boy. I fear no change. In a future +incarnation I may be born as the son of a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> king, like you. And think +of it, after a few million years, this whole world, this big bulky +stupid institution, this home of so many villains, and a couple of +good ones like us two among them, the theater of rascalities, of +vanities, of follies, will be scattered to the winds, as if it had +never existed. Be merry, my Prince, so long as the comedy lasts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Devadatta</span> (<i>Dd.</i>) <i>appears in the background. +His cheeks are sunken and his face is gloomy. +His eye has a fanatic expression.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Consider, it may prove a tragedy.<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i> Let it be what it may be. To me it will be what I think it is. It<br /> +is a huge joke.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> But who will laugh at it, my friend?<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i><span class="f2">I will.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Kala, the time will come when thou wilt weep.<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i> Well then? And if I weep I shall shed tears.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Tears are a sweet relief<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In anguish pain and grief.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I'll make the best of all,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whatever may befall.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Thy prattle seemeth foolish, but it hideth<br /> +A deep philosophy.<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i><span class="f3">Why then, good Lord,</span><br /> +Why wilt thou not its merry lesson learn?<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Good Kala listen, and thou'lt understand:<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>There is a difference between our aims:<br /> +Thou clingest to this world of transiency,<br /> +But I seek the Etern. Thou seest not<br /> +The misery of life, for thou art happy—<br /> +Happy at least at present, though the next<br /> +Moment may find thee writhing in lament.<br /> +I seek a place of refuge whence I can<br /> +Extend my hand to help those in distress.<br /> +I will attain the state of Buddhahood<br /> +To bring deliverance to all mankind.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Dd.</i> Why do you waste your time, Siddhattha, with this frivolous lad? +What profit can there be in gossip such as you two carry on?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> You always scold, you hollow-eyed sour face! You always moralize. +Even your good brother-in-law is too worldly for you.</p> + +<p><i>Dd.</i> I did not speak to you, I addressed myself to Siddhattha.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Udayin has a heart, a human heart,<br /> +And all my sympathy goes out to him.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Dd.</i> If you intend to lead a religious life and go into homelessness, +you had better devote yourself to fasts and contemplations.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p><p><i>K.</i> You do not talk to me, but I will talk to you, and I will tell +you that in all your religious exercises you think of yourself, while +Siddhattha thinks of others. I wish you would go into homelessness. +Nobody would miss you here.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Addressing himself to</i> <span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span>.</p></div> + +<p>But, good my Lord, you must not go into homelessness, because you will +do more harm than good.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> How can that be, my good Kala Udayin?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> There comes your noble wife, Yasodhara.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> <i>comes, her maids with umbrellas keep at a +respectful distance</i>.</p></div> + +<p> +<i>Y.</i> Come see our boy, he is a lovely child;<br /> +He just woke up. He maketh you forget,<br /> +The sad thoughts of your heart on world and life,<br /> +For he, the darling babe, is life himself.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Kala</span> <i>flirts with</i> <span class="smcap">Gopa</span>, <i>one of</i> <span class="smcap">Yasodhara's</span> <i>maids</i>.</p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> I'll follow thee at once.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> [<i>Addressing Devadatta</i>]<br /> +And brother, will you come along?<br /> +<br /> +<i>Dd.</i><span class="f2">Not I.</span><br /> +This child is but the beginning of new misery. It continues the old<br /> +error in the eternal round on the wheel of life.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She goes into the house.</i> <span class="smcap">Devadatta</span> <i>withdraws into the +garden</i>.</p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i><span class="f3">Now Kala speak.</span><br /> +</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> O Prince Siddhattha, do not go into homelessness,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> do not leave +us. I cannot live without you. You are my comfort, my teacher, my +guide. I do not follow your instructions, but I love to hear them. Oh +I could not live without you. Do not go, sweet Prince. Think of your +wife, your dear good lovely wife, it will break her heart. Think of +your child. Do not go, noble Prince. Let somebody else become the +saviour of the world. Somebody else can just as well become the +deliverer and the Buddha. I am sure there are many who would like to +fill that place, and somebody can do it who has a less comfortable +home to leave, who has a less lovely wife, who is not heir to a +kingdom, and who has not such a sweet promising little boy as you +have. I cannot live without you.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Wouldst thou go with me?<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i> [<i>kneels</i>]<span class="f3">Yes my Lord, I would.</span><br /> +Take me along and I will cheer you up.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Wouldst thou go begging food from house to house?<br /> +With bowl in hand, a homeless mendicant?<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i> No sir, that would not suit me.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Wouldst thou by night sleep under forest trees?<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> No sir, I would catch cold. That's not for me. [<i>Rises</i>] If you +needs must go, sir, you had better go alone. That life is not for me. +I will go and hear the nightingale.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> <i>follows the Princess into the palace</i>.</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> +<p><i>K.</i></p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A Buddha's life<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is not for every one.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He has no wife<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No pleasure and no fun.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He cannot laugh,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He cannot cry;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He cannot love<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He cannot sigh.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He's always preaching, preaching.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He's always teaching, teaching.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He wonders at time's transiency<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ponders on man's misery,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And findeth his salvation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In dreary resignation.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That life I see<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is not for me:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twould be ill spent;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I would not find enlightenment.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I lift not the world's woe<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in my quest for truth would fail<br /></span> +<span class="i0">[<i>Muses a moment.</i>]<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So I had better go<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And listen to the nightingale.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Kala Udayin</span> exit.</i></p></div> + +<p class="center">[During the last scene twilight has gradually set in.]</p> + + +<h2>THIRD SCENE.</h2> +<p>[The scene changes by open curtain. A veil comes down, and when its +goes up again we see the bed chamber of Siddhattha and Yasodhara dimly +lit by tapers.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> (Y) on the bed with babe in arms, two maids in +waiting. <span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> (B) comes in. A halo of light (not too +strong) surrounds his head. The princess rises, lays the babe +down and advances toward her husband.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Y.</i> O good my Lord, my Prince, my Husband!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A pause. She changes her voice as if ashamed of her show of +feeling. With a matter-of-fact intonation.</i></p></div> + +<p>Rahula fell asleep again.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Why art thou sad, my good Yasodhara?<br /> +I see a tear that glitters in thine eye.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> An unspeakable melancholy steals over my soul when +I hear you speak of your religious longings.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Wouldest thou not rejoice if I fulfilled<br /> +My mission; if I reached the highest goal?<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Oh! Siddhattha! you do not love me.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> My heart embraces all the world—and thee.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> If you loved me truly, there would not be much room for all the +world. You think of the world all day long, and have not a minute's +time for your wife.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> I have, my dear!</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> My noble Husband!</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> Speak!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Scarcely do I dare to call you by that name. You are kind and +gentle, but for a husband you are too lofty, too distant in your +dignity. It may be wrong in me, it may be sinful, but I wish you were +less lofty and more loving.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> My dearest "Wife," I call thee so on purpose—<br /> +My dearest "Wife," thou dost not understand:<br /> +The misery and ills of all the world<br /> +Weigh heavy on my heart. I'll find no peace<br /> +Until at last a remedy be found.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Why dost thou trouble about others? Think of thy son, thy +sweetest Rahula, and if thou lovest me a little only, think of me.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> I think of thee, my loving Wife, but when<br /> +I think of thee I think of all—of all<br /> +The loving wives, the happy trembling mothers<br /> +All over in the world. Happy they are,<br /> +But trembling for their babes. Oh! bear in mind,<br /> +We all are in the net of sorrow caught.<br /> +This world is full of pain, disease and death;<br /> +And even death brings no relief. Because<br /> +The wheel of life rolls on. The ills continue<br /> +In births that constantly repeat themselves.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Oh! do not speak of it my Lord, it makes me sad. Why do you think +of misery, while here we are surrounded by wealth and comfort, and +even the prospects of our future are most auspicious. Why borrow +trouble before it comes?</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> My dear Yasodhara, change is the law<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>Of being. Now we prosper, but the wheel<br /> +Goes round and brings the high into the dust.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> You suffer from bad dreams;<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i><span class="f2">Listen to me.</span><br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They sit down.</i></p></div> + +<p> +In this luxurious palace and these gardens,<br /> +Surrounding it, was I brought up with care.<br /> +I saw naught but the fair, the beautiful,<br /> +The pleasant side of life.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i><span class="f2">I know, Siddhattha—</span><br /> +I know it very well.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i><span class="f3">You know, my father</span><br /> +Has kept me ignorant of evil things.<br /> +I might have thought that such is life throughout,<br /> +But I began to doubt and asked for leave<br /> +To see the world outside these palace walls.<br /> +Not without difficulty did I gain<br /> +Permission, and with Channa in a chariot<br /> +I drove away—when suddenly before me<br /> +I saw a sight I'd never seen before.<br /> +There was a man with wrinkled face, bleared eyes,<br /> +And stooping gait, a sight most pitiable.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> is much moved.</i></p></div> + +<p> +While I was horror-struck, Channa passed by<br /> +Indifferent, for <i>he</i> had seen such men.<br /> +Too well he knew the common fate of all;<br /> +But I, the first time in my life, did learn<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>That, <i>if</i> we but live long enough, we all<br /> +Shall be such miserable wretched dotards.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> Too sudden came this saddening truth to you.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Channa sped on his horses out of town,<br /> +But there again! what an ungainly sight!<br /> +A man lay on the road-side, weak and helpless,<br /> +With trembling frame and feverish cramps.<br /> +I shut mine eyes to so much racking pain,<br /> +Still I could hear his groaning and his moaning.<br /> +"Oh, Channa," said I to the charioteer:<br /> +"Why does this happen? How deserves this man<br /> +The wretchedness of his great agonies?"<br /> +"How do I know?" said Channa, "for we all<br /> +Are subject to distemper and disease.<br /> +Sometimes the best are stricken—and must die!"<br /> +"Must die?" cried I, "What does that word portend?"<br /> +For, you must know, I never heard of death.<br /> +My father had forbidden, at his court<br /> +To speak to me of anything unpleasant.<br /> +"Yea, die!" said Channa, "Look around and see!"<br /> +Along the road a funeral procession<br /> +Moved slowly, solemnly and mournfully<br /> +And on the bier a corpse, stark, stiff and cold.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> Do not be troubled, death is still far off.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Oh do not feel secure, for the three evils<br /> +Surround us constantly and everywhere,<br /> +And even now death hovers o'er our house.<br /> +When I was born my mother went to heaven,<br /> +Which means, she died when she gave life to me.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span><br /> +<i>Y.</i> My Lord don't think of evils that are past.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> The world's impermanence is still the same,<br /> +And all material things are conformations<br /> +Subject to pain, decay and dissolution.<br /> +Yet unconcerned in blessed carelessness<br /> +Man hunteth after pleasure. Transiency<br /> +Has set its mark on life, and there is none<br /> +Who can escape its curse. There is no mortal<br /> +Who's always happy. Misery surprises<br /> +The luckiest with unexpected terror.<br /> +Then, in addition, unseen powers breed<br /> +Most heinous maladies and fever heat.<br /> +E'en if we were exceptions, thou must grant<br /> +That finally we too will meet our doom.<br /> +The ghastly specter Death, the stern king Yama,<br /> +Awaiteth all of us. Such is our fate!<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> O put away these gloomy thoughts, and think<br /> +Of life and love, and of thy lovely child.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Could we be truly happy while the world<br /> +Is filled with misery? Mine eyes are opened;<br /> +I see how death his gruesome revel holds.<br /> +He owns the world and sways its destinies.<br /> +One creature ruthlessly preys on the other,<br /> +And man, the cleverest, preys on them all.<br /> +Nor is he free, for man preys upon man!<br /> +Nowhere is peace, and everywhere is war;<br /> +Life's mighty problem must be solved at last.—<br /> +I have a mission to fulfil.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i><span class="f3">And me</span><br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>Wouldst sacrifice for a philosophy,<br /> +For the idea of an idle quest!<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> 'Tis not for me to ask whether my quest<br /> +Be vain: for me 'tis to obey the call.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> [<i>with passionate outburst</i>] Siddhattha, O my Lord, my husband, +what wilt thou do? Dost thou forget the promise made me on our wedding +day?</p> + +<p> +<i>B</i>. Yasodhara, a higher duty calls.<br /> +The time will come, and it is close at hand,<br /> +When I shall wander into homelessness.<br /> +I'll leave this palace and its splendid gardens<br /> +I'll leave the pleasures of this world behind<br /> +To go in quest of Truth, of saving Truth.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> sinks on her knees before him and clasps his +knees.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>Y.</i> And me, my Lord, thy quest will make a widow!<br /> +Oh, stay, and build thee here a happy home.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> My dear Yasodhara, it cannot be.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Prince stands lost in thought. Rahula is restless. +<span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> rises and turns toward the child.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>Y</i>. He wakes again. I come, my babe, I come.<br /> +</p> + +<p>[The veil comes down again, and when it rises it shows the garden +before the palace as in the first scene, but it is night and all is +wrapped in darkness.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> + + +<h2>FOURTH SCENE.</h2> +<p><i>King <span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span> (S) and his minister <span class="smcap">Visakha</span> (V) come out of the +entrance.</i> <i>Later on Captain <span class="smcap">Devala</span> (D) and soldiers.</i></p> + + +<p><i>S.</i> Unfortunate, most unfortunate, that Udayin died. Siddhattha will +miss the gardener and will ask for him.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> The Prince loves flowers, and he knows them all by name; he loves +trees and shrubs, and praises them for yielding fruit and grain for +feeding us without the need of shedding blood.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Have the body removed so long as it is dark.</p> + +<p><i>V</i>. The moon is full to-day and must rise in a little while.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Double the guards at the gate. I am afraid my son will flee. It +would be a disgrace on my house to have him become a mendicant. The +kings of Kosala, of Magadha, and all the others look with envy on our +sturdy people; they dislike our free institutions and our warlike +spirit. They would scoff at us if a Sakya prince had become a monk. +But if Siddhattha does flee, I swear by Lord Indra that I shall disown +him; I will no longer recognize him as my son. I will disinherit him +and make Rahula my heir apparent.</p> + +<p class="blockquot"><i><span class="smcap">Visakha</span> looks at <span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span> in amazement.</i></p> + +<p><i>S</i>. I am serious and I will do it. I swore an oath, and Issara will +help me to keep it. Now go to the captain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> of the guards and do as I +bid you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Exit. The Minister alone.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>V.</i> Oh! What a chance for me! Siddhattha will flee, if he be not +prevented; he will be disinherited. Rahula is a babe, and it will take +twenty years before he grows up to manhood.—[<i>He muses.</i>] I may +proceed on different lines, and one of them must certainly lead to +success. I may marry the Princess and become the stepfather of the +heir apparent, his guardian, the man who has him in his power—Hm! Hm! +I need not plan too far ahead. And if that plan did not work, the King +of Magadha would make me raja of the Sakyas, if I would recognize him +as my liege.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The full moon rises and the scene becomes gradually +brighter. <span class="smcap">Visakha</span> knocks at the gate.</i></p></div> + +<p>Who is on guard?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Officer comes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>D.</i> I am, my Lord, 'tis Captain Devala.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> 'Tis well. King Suddhodana requests you to double your guard +to-night, for he has reasons. Further he wants you to remove the +corpse of Udayin, the gardener who died to-day of an infectious +disease. Be on your guard, for where a dead body lies there are +ghosts—and [<i>in a half whisper</i>] when you see demons or gods, keep +yourselves, you and your men, locked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> up in the guard house, and the +spook will pass without harm.</p> + +<p><i>D.</i> Your order shall be punctiliously obeyed.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Pays his military salute and returns to the guard house.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>V.</i> That settles the guard, and should Siddhattha flee he will find +no obstacle.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Two men come out of the guard house and enter the palace +with a bier. <span class="smcap">Kala Udayin</span> comes back from the garden. <span class="smcap">Visakha</span> +retires into the background.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> The nightingale is a sweet bird, but I like the lark better. The +nightingale is more artistic, but his song is melancholy, he is so +sentimental! The lark has a mere twitter like my own song, I like the +lark better. How beautiful is this summer night; How glorious is the +moon; how fragrant are the roses in the garden! It is a most +auspicious night, and all breathes happiness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Visakha</span> from his hiding place watches <span class="smcap">Kala</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>V.</i> He comes in time, his presence will prosper my plans.</p> + +<p>[Kala is lost in thought. Music, from Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, +somber and as if coming from a distance, is heard.]</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p><p><i>K.</i> [<i>while the music plays</i>] What a strange presentiment is stealing +over my soul. Perhaps I was too happy! What does Siddhattha say?</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"All conformations always are transient,<a name="FNanchor_A" id="FNanchor_A"></a><a href="#Footnote_A" class="fnanchor">[A]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Harrassed by sorrow, lacking a self."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A" id="Footnote_A"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> The quoted lines run in the same rhythm as the melody and +should be pronounced accordingly. See <i>Buddhist Hymns</i>, p. 22.</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The men come with the corpse on the bier. <span class="smcap">Kala</span> stops them.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> What do you carry? Who is this? [<i>he shrieks</i>] My father! [<i>The +carriers set the corpse down and Kala sinks down by the bier.</i>] Oh, my +father! my dearest father! How did you die? Why did you leave me? Oh, +my father! [<i>he sobs</i>].</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The moon sinks behind a cloud.</i></p> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> comes.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>B.</i> What may the trouble be? I heard a shriek.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Kala</span> raises himself half way up. The scene is bright again.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> Oh, my Prince! See here! My father is dead! Now I know the truth +as well as you. Now I feel the pain. The time has come for me to +lament. I was so happy and I would not believe you.—Oh ye who are +happy, think in the hour of happiness that all is subject to +suffering, and the hour of suffering will come to you too. Nay more +than that, the hour of death will come; it has come to my father, it +will come to you and to me, and then my caroling will stop forever. +Oh, my poor father!</p> + + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> How rarely is thy advent welcome, Death,<br /> +E'en this poor gardener who a servant was<br /> +His livelong days, leaves in our hearts a gap.<br /> +His son lamenteth him, and I not less;<br /> +He was my loving friend; my educator,<br /> +He had me on his knees so many a time,<br /> +To tell me how the flowers will grow and blow,<br /> +And how they prosper after rainy days.<br /> +May gentle lilies from thy ashes spring,<br /> +Decked with the purity of thine own heart,<br /> +And with their fragrance give the same delight<br /> +That in thy present life thou gavest us.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The carriers lift up the body and carry it out.</i></p></div> + +<p> +Oh, fare thee well, thou good and worthy friend,<br /> +Oh, fare thee well, but thy departure is<br /> +To me a token that my time has come.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Kala</span> who all the while was lying prostrate +weeping.</i></p></div> + +<p> +Weep not, companion of my childhood days,<br /> +But bear in mind the courage of thy mirth.<br /> +Remember all the virtues of thy father<br /> +And let them live again in thine own heart.<br /> +Thou must not yield to weakness and lamenting,<br /> +Tend to life's duties: Go and call me Channa,<br /> +Bid him to saddle Kanthaka, my steed,<br /> +And let him ready be for a night's ride.<br /> +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Kala</span> exit. <span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> alone.</i></p></div> + +<p> +The hour has come! and now my last farewell<br /> +To thee my wife and Rahula my son.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> makes a few steps and halts.</i></p></div> + +<p> +This is the greatest sacrifice I bring:<br /> +I leave behind a crown without regret;<br /> +I leave the luxury of wealth and power;<br /> +I care for them as though they were but ashes<br /> +But I must also leave my wife and child:<br /> +Here I must prove the courage of my heart.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enters the house.</i></p></div> + + +<h2>FIFTH SCENE.</h2> +<p>[The veil of clouds comes down, and when it rises we see Yasodhara's +bedroom again.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> (B) enters. <span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> (Y) sleeps with the babe in +her arms.</i></p></div> + + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Here lie the rarest treasures of this life,<br /> +My noble wife, my dear boy Rahula.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> approaches the bed.</i></p></div> + +<p> +Your sleep is sweet in your sweet innocence,<br /> +And I will not disturb your blissful rest.<br /> +I will go out in search for saving Truth<br /> +And shall not come again unless 't be found<br /> +Farewell my wife and Rahula my son.<br /> +Must I be gone? Is this, in sooth, my duty?<br /> +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes toward the door. There he stops.</i></p></div> + +<p> +Perchance on their account I ought to stay.<br /> +But no! my father can take care of them.<br /> +It is my tender heart that makes me weak.<br /> +This is the greatest sacrifice I bring.<br /> +</p> + + +<h2>SIXTH SCENE</h2> +<p>[Change of scene, as rapid as before. The garden before the palace]</p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Channa</span> (Ch.) enters with a horse.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Channa.</i> My Prince, here is your steed!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Mara</span> (M), a superhuman figure, gaudily dressed, hovering in +the air, suddenly appears and addresses <span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> (B).</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>M.</i> It is a shame to leave your wife and child.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> [<i>Addressing the vision in the air.</i>]<br /> +Mara, thou here? thou wicked one, thou tempter!<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i> Oh do not leave us Prince. Think of the wrong you do.<br /> +You wrong your royal father, you wrong your wife, you wrong your child.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> What sayest thou? Thou sayest I do wrong?<br /> +The same rebuke is echoed in my heart;<br /> +It is so sweet, so loving, so alluring!<br /> +And shall I listen to its tender voice?<br /> +How pleasant would it be to stay at home,<br /> +And to enjoy my wife's love and my child's!<br /> +Is that my duty? Say, is that my duty?<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span><br /> +<i>K.</i> Surely my Lord, your duties lie at home.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> wavers as if in doubt. He stands pondering for a +moment.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Who will instruct me where my duty lies?<br /> +<br /> +<i>M.</i> I will instruct thee, I will guide thee right.<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i> How can you doubt, my Prince? And can you not<br /> +Search for the truth here in this pleasant garden?<br /> +There're spots enough where you can think and ponder,<br /> +And meditate among the fragrant flowers.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Here I shall never reach my goal.<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i><span class="f3">Stay here.</span><br /> +A kingdom is your sure inheritance,<br /> +While Buddahood is but a doubtful prize.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> And shall the world wait for another Buddha?<br /> +So many millions clamor for the truth!<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>With determination.</i></p></div> + +<p> +I hear the call and naught shall hold me back.<br /> +I see my duty and I will obey.<br /> +<br /> +<i>M.</i> Wilt thou not stay, my noble Prince Siddhattha?<br /> +The wheel of empire turns, and thee I shall<br /> +Make king of kings to rule the whole broad earth.<br /> +Think of the good which thou wilt do as king!<br /> +And then as king of kings thy mighty power<br /> +Will spread the good religion o'er the world.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> I know thee Mara, tempter, Evil One,<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>Prince of this world, I know thy voice, thy meaning.<br /> +The gifts thou offerest are transient treasures,<br /> +And thy dominion is mere vanity.<br /> +I go to found a kingdom in the realm<br /> +Of the immortal state which lasts for aye.<br /> +Thou hinderest and dost not help the truth.<br /> +<br /> +<i>K.</i> Thou speakest to the empty air, my Prince,<br /> +For I see no one whom thou thus addressest.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Channa</span> helps <span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> to mount, and while the gate opens +leads the horse out of the gate, and <span class="smcap">Kala</span> enters into the +palace. <span class="smcap">Visakha</span> is coming to the front.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>V.</i> He is gone. He has made room for me. The time will come when this +kingdom will be mine.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> [<i>from the balcony</i>] Siddhattha! Siddhattha! Where are you? He is +gone! He has departed into homelessness! [<i>She faints.</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p> + + +<h2><i>FIRST INTERLUDE.</i></h2> +<p><i>Living pictures accompanied by appropriate music, as an introduction +to Act II.</i></p> + + +<p>1. <span class="smcap">Begging Food.</span></p> + +<p>A scene of the Prince's life as a mendicant friar.</p> + +<p>A Hindu village, Siddhattha stands bowl in hand before a hut; a woman +dishes some rice from a kettle into his bowl; villagers, including +children, stand around gazing at him,—a few with clasped hands.</p> + +<p>2. <span class="smcap">The King Greets the Mendicant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></span></p> + +<p>Tradition tells that King Bimbisara, hearing of the noble monk, went +out to see him and offered him to take part in the government. This +being refused, the King requested him to visit Rajagaha, the royal +residence, as soon as Siddhattha had become a Buddha.</p> + +<p>Siddhattha is seated under a tree near a brook; the king stands before +him, surrounded by his retinue.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">Preaching to the Villagers.</span></p> + +<p>Under the tree in the market place of a Hindu village The Buddha is +seated in the attitude of a preacher. The villagers stand or squat +around intently listening.</p> + +<p>4. <span class="smcap">Saved from Starvation</span></p> + +<p>In company with other monks, Siddhattha sought for a while +enlightenment by self-mortification.</p> + +<p>Being exhausted by severe fasts, the mendicant faints, and Nanda, the +shepherd's daughter, passing by, refreshes him with rice milk. His +five disciples at a distance fear that he has given up his quest for +truth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="ACT_II" id="ACT_II"></a>ACT II.</h2> + +<h2>FIRST SCENE</h2> +<p>[Seven years have elapsed since the first act. A room in the royal +palace at Magadha]</p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Present: <span class="smcap">Nagadeva</span> (N), the prime minister, <span class="smcap">General Siha</span> +(GS), commander-in-chief of the Magadha forces. Later on the +<span class="smcap">Master of Ceremonies</span> (MC), <span class="smcap">King Bimbisara</span> (Bb.), a trumpeter +and a small body guard.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>N.</i> It is a joy to serve this mighty king<br /> +Whose power extendeth over many lands.<br /> +In peace he ruleth wisely, and his subjects<br /> +Obey him willingly for he is just.<br /> +In war he swoops upon his enemies<br /> +As doth a hawk upon a helpless chicken,<br /> +Quick in attack, lucky in every fight.<br /> +Indeed he earned his name deservedly,<br /> +The warlike Bimbisara.<br /> +<br /> +<i>GS.</i><span class="f3">At his side</span><br /> +I fought with him in many a doubtful battle<br /> +With all the odds against us, but his daring,<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>Joined to a rare instinctive foresight<br /> +By which he could anticipate all dangers,<br /> +Would win the day and ne'er was he defeated!<br /> +In this our latest war he took great risks,<br /> +Might have been taken by his foes, and would<br /> +Have lost his liberty, his throne, his life;<br /> +But venturing much he won, and by exposing<br /> +His own high person in the brunt of battle<br /> +He stirred the courage of his followers<br /> +To do great deeds of valor.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Master of Ceremonies</span> enters with a trumpeter.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>MC.</i><span class="f3">Noble lords,</span><br /> +Mis majesty, our royal lord, is coming<br /> +To meet you here in private council.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Trumpeter blows a signal.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Hail the victorious, warlike Bimbisara!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Both kneel as the king enters preceded and followed by a +small body guard.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> Be greeted noble lords.</p> + +<p><i>N.</i> We wish you joy and the continuance of your good fortune.</p> + +<p> +<i>Bb.</i> I have a matter to bespeak with you,<br /> +Far-reaching weighty plans of great importance.<br /> +I wish to be alone with you.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Turning to the captain of his body guards.</i></p></div> + +<p> +Captain, have this room guarded by your soldiers.<br /> +The gong shall call you when I need your service.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The soldiers march out of the room.</i></p></div> + +<p> +Be seated, my good lords.<br /> +You helped me gain a wondrous victory<br /> +Which proves I have the favor of the gods.<br /> +I probed your skill, your courage and your faith<br /> +And found you both most able and most trusty.<br /> +Therefore you are to me much more than vassals<br /> +And servants of the state; you are my helpers,<br /> +Indeed my friends and nearest to my heart.<br /> +A king needs friends who share his secret thoughts,<br /> +Who stand by him in all vicissitudes,<br /> +Who bear with him responsibilities,<br /> +And above all, who frankly speak the truth.<br /> +I ask you, will you be such friends to me?<br /> +<br /> +<i>GS.</i> I will with all my heart.<br /> +<br /> +<i>N.</i><span class="f3">And I not less.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bb.</i> I, my dear friends, I promise you in turn<br /> +That I shall not resent your words of truth<br /> +If spoken in good faith with best intentions.<br /> +I may not always follow your advice,<br /> +But you are free to say whate'er you please,<br /> +Whate'er you may deem best for me to know,<br /> +Whate'er will benefit the empire and my people.<br /> +Now listen what I have to say to you.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>I will reveal to you my inmost heart:<br /> +This is an age of greatest expectations;<br /> +Riches accumulate in our cities,<br /> +Commerce and trade are flourishing, and<br /> +Our caravans exchange our native goods<br /> +For gold and precious produce from abroad.<br /> +What India needs is unity of rule.<br /> +The valley of the holy Ganges should<br /> +Be governed by one king, a king of kings.<br /> +There should no longer be a rivalry,<br /> +A clash of interests between the states,<br /> +And all the princes should obey the rule<br /> +Of the one man who guides and guards the whole.<br /> +This therefore is my plan: you Nagadeva<br /> +Must gain the favor of our neighbor kings,<br /> +So as to make them recognize our sway.<br /> +If voluntarily they will submit,<br /> +They shall be welcome as our worthy vassals.<br /> +If they resist (<i>turning to Siha</i>) my gallant general<br /> +You must reduce them to subjection.<br /> +A treaty with the rajas in the east,<br /> +In southern and in northern Kosala,<br /> +Speedeth my plans, the Sakyas only<br /> +Defy our sovereign will, and keep aloof.<br /> +If they yield not, their power must be broken!<br /> +There is a task for you and for my army.<br /> +<br /> +<i>N.</i> Permit, my noble king, that I advise you.<br /> +I know the Sakya minister of state,<br /> +And he is willing to betray his master.<br /> +The Sakya prince, the only son and heir,<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>Siddhattha Gotama he's called by name,<br /> +Went into homelessness and has turned monk,<br /> +Leaving behind his wife and a small son.<br /> +The minister aspireth to the throne,<br /> +And if we help him in his plans, he will<br /> +Acknowledge you as sovereign over him.<br /> +And that will save your army blood and trouble.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Bb.</i> What is his name.<br /> +<br /> +<i>N.</i><span class="f2">Visakha, noble King.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bb.</i> I wish to see him. Let him visit you<br /> +And as by accident I want to meet him.<br /> +<br /> +<i>GS.</i> Allow me, mighty King, a word of warning.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Bb.</i> Speak freely.<br /> +<br /> +<i>GS.</i><br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>With unconcealed indignation, almost entreatingly.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<span class="f3">Do not listen to a traitor.</span><br /> +Send me with all the army of the kingdom,<br /> +Bid me lead captive all the Sakyas; do it<br /> +In open fight but not by treachery.<br /> +My King, avoid alliance with Visakha,<br /> +His very breath contaminates. He lowers<br /> +Ourselves to his low level.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Bb.</i><span class="f3">Thank you Siha.</span><br /> +I will be slow. [<i>Pondering</i>] But it is too important!<br /> +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Argues with himself.</i></p></div> + +<p> +May I not listen to a traitor's words,<br /> +Nor hear him,—profit by his information?<br /> +<br /> +<i>GS.</i> Oh do it not!<br /> +<br /> +<i>Bb.</i><span class="f3">Siha, thou art a soldier.</span><br /> +I honor thee, thou speakest like a soldier,<br /> +But think how much diplomacy will help,<br /> +How many lives and property it saves.<br /> +Without the brutal means of war it will<br /> +Better accomplish all our ends; it spares<br /> +The enemy as well. A prosperous country<br /> +Will serve me better than a city sacked<br /> +And villages destroyed by fire.<br /> +<br /> +<i>GS.</i> Pardon, my liege, I do not trust a traitor.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Bb.</i> I will be on my guard, but I shall see him,<br /> +'T shall be by way of reconnoitering.<br /> +You in the meantime keep the army ready,<br /> +For one way or another I must conquer<br /> +The Sakya king and make him do my bidding.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The King rises indicating that his two counselors are +dismissed. They rise also.</i></p></div> + +<p> +The world is growing wider every day<br /> +And our souls broaden with the general progress.<br /> +A new era dawns upon us. Let us all<br /> +Help to mature the fruitage of the times.<br /> +</p> + + +<h2>SECOND SCENE</h2> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p><p>[The garden before the palace of King <span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span> as in Act I]</p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Presents <span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> (Y) with her maid <span class="smcap">Gopa</span> (G) and <span class="smcap">Rahula</span> +(R).</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Repeat that verse once more and then we will stop our lesson.</p> +<p><i>R.</i></p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">With goodness meet an evil deed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With loving kindness conquer wrath,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With generosity quench greed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And lies by walking on truth's path.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Now you can run about in the garden or play with the Captain's +son.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Mother, I do not believe that goodness always works in this life.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Why do you think so?</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Because there are very bad boys, so bad that only a whipping will +cure them.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Rahula!</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Truly, mother, truly. Even the gardener says so.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> You must set the bad boys a good example.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> No use, mother; they remain bad. I have tried it.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> You must have patience.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> No use, mother; and the gardener says, A viper remains a viper.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Even poisonous reptiles can be tamed.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Yes, but the gardener first pulls their fangs. Would you like me +to play with a viper?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> No, my boy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Excitement at the gate. <span class="smcap">Kala</span> enters and soldiers of the +guard surround him.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>R.</i> What is going on?—O Mother! Kala Udayin is back!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Kala Udayin</span> (K) appears among the guards. +<span class="smcap">Rahula</span> runs to the gate.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>R.</i> Kala! Welcome home! Shake hands!</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Be heartily greeted, my boy.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Did you see father?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I did, Rahula.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Tell me all.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I will tell mother.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Come to mother. She has been expecting you for many days.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Kala</span> kneels to the Princess.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Gopa, take his bundle. [<i>The maid takes his bundle and carries it +into the house.</i>] What news do you bring of Prince Siddhattha?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I followed the Prince from place to place and saw him last near +Benares in the forest of Uruvela.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> How is his health, and will he come back?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> His health is probably good, but he does not think of coming +back—not yet. O my dear lady! If you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> could see him! he is as thin as +a skeleton. I could count all his ribs.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> What is the trouble with father.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> He is fasting. He lives on a hempcorn a day; think of it, one +little hempcorn a day!</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Oh, he will die! My poor husband. I must follow him and attend to +his wants. He needs his wife's loving care. I will leave my home and +follow him.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Could you help him, princess? He might not like it, and the monks +abhor women. Moreover, I was told that he takes food again, every +morning a cup of rice milk. The day I left he looked better. Still, he +was pretty pale.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Tell me all you know of him.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I went first to Rajagaha, and there I heard wondrous tales about +the noble monk Gotama. All the people knew about him, they called him +a "sage" or "muni" and the "Bodhisatta."</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> What does that mean, Kala?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Bodhisatta is the man who seeks the bodhi—and the bodhi is +enlightenment or Buddhahood.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> What did the people of Rajagaha say?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> When Prince Siddhattha came to Rajagaha, he created a great +excitement in the city. Never had been seen a mendicant of such noble +appearance, and crowds flocked to him. They thought he was a Buddha +and greeted him as a Buddha; but he said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> to them "I am not a Buddha; +I am a Bodhisatta, I seek Buddhahood, and I am determined to find it."</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Did you meet people who saw him?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Indeed, I did. They say he looked like a god. The news spread all +over the capital, and King Bimbisara himself went out with his +ministers to see the Bodhisatta. King Bimbisara came to the place +where the stranger stayed—under a forest tree near a brook—and +greeted him most respectfully saying, "Great monk, remain here with me +in Rajagaha; I see that you are wise and worthy. Live with me at the +royal palace. Be my adviser and counselor. You are not made for a +mendicant. Your hands are fit to hold the reins of empire. Stay here, +I beg you, and you shall not lack honor and rank." "Nay," replied +Siddhattha, "let me go my way in quest of enlightenment. I am bent on +solving the problem of existence, and I will become a Buddha." Said +the King, "Hear then, great monk. Go in quest of enlightenment, and +when you have found it come back to Rajagaha."</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Is King Bimbisara so religious?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> King Bimbisara is ambitious. As is well known, he is a warrior +and a conqueror; but that is not all. He wants to be the greatest +monarch of all ages and he would have all the great events happen +under his rule. This is what he said to the Bodhisatta: "When I was a +youth I uttered five wishes, and they were these: I prayed, May I be +crowned King. This wish has been fulfilled. Then I wished, May the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +holy Buddha, the Blessed One, appear on earth while I am King, and may +he come to my kingdom. This was my second wish, and while I gaze upon +you I know that it will be fulfilled. Further I wished, May I see the +blessed Buddha and pay my respects to him. This was my third wish. My +fourth wish was, May the Blessed One preach the doctrine to me, and my +fifth and greatest wish was this, May I understand the doctrine. I beg +you, therefore, great monk, when you have become a Buddha come back +and preach the doctrine to me and accept me as your disciple."</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> And whither did Siddhattha go from Rajagaha?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> He visited the great philosophers Arada and Udraka, but he found +no satisfaction in their theories. So he went on to Uruvela where the +ascetics live. I followed the Bodhisatta and learned that he stayed +with five disciples in the forest. I found shelter near by in the +cottage of the chief shepherd, a good old man with a pretty daughter, +Nanda. There I watched Siddhattha and his disciples from a distance. +He was the youngest but the wisest of them, and they reverenced him as +master. He outdid them all in fasting. One day Nanda, the shepherd's +daughter, saw him faint, and he might have died from exhaustion right +on the spot if Nanda had not given him rice milk to drink.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> O good Kala, what shall I do? What shall I do? Here I sit at +home, a poor, helpless woman, unable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> to assist him or to take care of +him! O Kala, advise me, what can I do?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">King Suddhodana</span> (S) and <span class="smcap">Visakha</span> (V) come out of the palace. +The Princess retires into the palace. <span class="smcap">Gopa</span> hides behind the +bushes.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>S.</i> I am glad to see you back. Have you seen my son?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I have sire.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Where did you find him?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> At Uruvela, the place of mortification where saints try to see +visions and reach a state of bliss.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> And has Siddhattha succeeded?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> It does not seem so; he is starving himself to death.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> Is he dying?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Not exactly, but I do not see how he can live—on that diet.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Oh, Visakha, how have I been deprived of my son through a whim!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Both return into the palace. <span class="smcap">Visakha</span> comes back.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>V.</i> It seems that Siddhattha is ruining himself.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> At the rate he is going now, he won't stand it long. He may not +live another month. It is pitiable. You should have seen him. That +beautiful young man looks like a consumptive in his last stage. I did +not dare to tell what I thought. The Princess would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> not have borne +the sad news.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> Too bad. It looks pretty hopeless.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I do not see how the Prince can survive.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> What is the idea of these fasts?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> These pious recluses believe that the self is imprisoned in the +body and that the senses are the prison gates. They want to liberate +the soul, and many of them behold visions, but Siddhattha seems to +doubt whether the saints of Uruvela proceed on the right track. Indeed +he denies the very existence of the self.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> I know he does. His views should be branded as purely human +wisdom. As the senses are finger touch, eye touch, ear touch, nose and +tongue touch, so the mind is to him mere thought touch. He claimed +that the mind originates through a co-operation of the senses.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> His disciples begin to break away from him.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> That is right. They ought to have done so long ago. I always said +that Siddhattha is an unbeliever. He spurns faith and relies too much +on his own observation and reasoning. He will never find +enlightenment. He is too negative, too nihilistic, and his quest of +Buddhahood will end in a lamentable failure.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> It would be a pity, sir. He is certainly in earnest to find the +truth—the real truth, not what the priests say nor the Vedas declare, +but the truth, provable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> truth.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> Yes that is his fault. When the king speaks with you tell him +all, explain the hopelessness of his situation. The king ought to know +the facts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Visakha</span> retires into the palace.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> [<i>Calls in a low voice</i>] Gopa, Gopa!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i><span class="smcap">Gopa</span> appears from behind the bush.</i>]</p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> [<i>Aside</i>] I knew she would not be far.</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> What do you want?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I want to have a talk with you.</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> Well?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Let us set our marriage day.</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> I do not care to marry you—just yet.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I want a kiss, Gopa.</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> You shan't have it!</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I will leave Kapilavatthu and go back to the Bodhisatta.</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> He will tell you that a youth must not kiss a girl.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> That rule holds only for monks.</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> Go and turn monk. Then it applies to you.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> The world would die out if everybody turned monk.</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> First, you are not everybody, and secondly, would it not be a +blessing if the whole world would try to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> be sanctified?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Pshaw! Mankind consists of different castes and professions, of +soldiers and merchants, of peasants and artisans and teachers. Mankind +is like a body with various limbs, a head and hands, feet and chest +and neck. A man who were head only could not live, and if mankind +consisted of Buddhas only we would starve. We need a Buddha, but there +must also be householders. Now quick give me a kiss.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She pouts.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> If you do not kiss me I shall go back to the forest of Uruvela. +Nanda, the shepherd's daughter, is a very pretty girl. She is as +pretty as you are. She is,—well, her cheeks are rosier than yours. +She is a little taller, and she is so graceful when she milks the +kine. The shepherd needs a helper. I am sure he would like to have a +son-in-law.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Rahula</span> enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>R.</i> Gopa! Mother wants you.</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> [<i>Kisses K. quickly</i>] Here is a kiss, but you must forget Nanda. +[<i>Runs away.</i>]</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Stay a moment longer!</p> + +<p><i>G.</i> I have no time. [<i>Exit.</i>]</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> I knew she would come around,—and she is much prettier than +Nanda. Nanda is a buxom country lass, a pleasant girl, but Gopa is as +proper as a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> princess. [<i>He continues with unction.</i>] Bodhisatta longs +for the blessed state of Nirvana, and when he has found it, he will be +calm and without passion. He will walk on earth as a god among men. No +emotion will disturb the peace of his mind, and the happiness of the +great Brahma will be as nothing in comparison to the infinite bliss of +his Buddhahood. [<i>With a lighter tone</i>]: I adore him, but I do not +envy him. I do not long for the happiness of a god. I am a man with +human faults and human yearnings. I am satisfied with the happiness +and the sufferings of a man. Since I am assured of Gopa's love, I care +not for Nirvana. I think that this world is good enough for me.</p> + +<p> +<i>V.</i> [<i>Looks around like a spy.</i>]<br /> +How peaceful lies this palace, yet I see<br /> +The war clouds lour upon its roofs.<br /> +The storm will break with sudden vehemence upon<br /> +These harmless unsuspecting people. Woe to them,<br /> +Their doom is certain. Desperate resistance<br /> +Succumbs before the overwhelming forces<br /> +Of Bimbisara.—And what will become<br /> +Of poor Yasodhara?—I like her well.<br /> +I might still save her from her people's ruin.<br /> +A princess, sweet and noble, and herself<br /> +Descended from an ancient royal house. But<br /> +I hate that little youngster Rahula.<br /> +Whate'er betide, my deep-laid schemes will speed<br /> +And I shall profit by my master's doom.<br /> +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p>[Music: Chopin's Nocturno. Opus 37, No. 2.]</p></div> + +<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p> + + +<h2>THIRD SCENE.</h2> +<p>[Darkness covers the scene. Distant thunder and lightning. Gradually +it grows light again and the scene of <span class="smcap">Yasodhara's</span> bedroom becomes +visible. All luxury has been removed; she sleeps on a mat on the +floor, <span class="smcap">Rahula</span> in bed.]</p> + + +<p><i>R.</i> Mother! Mother!</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Sleep my boy, it is almost midnight.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Take me up, Mother.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> picks <span class="smcap">Rahula</span> up.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>R.</i> Why do you sleep on the floor, Mother?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Because father does so. Let me lay you down on your couch, you +must sleep.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Tell me more of father.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> I will to-morrow.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Tell me now. Is father a king?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> No, my son. But he is going to found a kingdom.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Will he be king of it?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> I do not know, my boy, but his kingdom will not be like other +kingdoms. It will be the kingdom of truth—a spiritual kingdom, a +kingdom of righteousness.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Is father rich?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> He scorns riches.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Why does he?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> He seeks other riches, the riches of religion, of the mind, of +spirit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Did he find them?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> I believe he did.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> He sends you news through Kala Udayin.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> No, Rahula, I send Kala Udayin out to watch him and when Kala +comes back he tells me what he saw and heard. Kala does not speak to +father.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Why does Kala not speak to father?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Grandfather forbade him. When we sent out Devadatta and Ananda, +they became attached to the life of a hermit. They joined father and +did not come back; but Kala will not turn monk.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> But this time he will speak to father.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> How do you know?</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> I heard grandfather bid him to.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> What did he bid him?</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> He bade Kala that he should tell father to visit us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She can scarcely conceal her joy.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Y.</i> You heard grandfather say so?</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> I did, mother; grandfather said that he became old, and before he +died he wanted to see his son again.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Why! did he really say so?</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> He did.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Oh you darling son, then you will see him, too.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> People say that he will be a Buddha.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Yes, my son, some say he will be a Buddha and others doubt it.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Mother, what is a Buddha?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> A Buddha is a man who has found the truth.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> How does a man find the truth?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> By enlightenment. He must find out the cause of evil.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Why must he find out the cause of evil?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> He teaches the people how to avoid evil.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Has father found the cause of evil?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Kala Udayin says he has.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> What is the cause of evil?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Father says that selfishness is the cause of evil and selfishness +comes from the belief in self.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Self?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Yes, self! Man, as a rule, believes that he is a self.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> What? A self?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Yes, a being by himself, who lives only for himself, and the +thought of self makes him selfish; and selfishness begets all evils.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> [<i>with a childlike serious conviction</i>] I believe it, mother.</p> + +<p><i>Y</i>. Father says there is no self, that self is an illusion.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> What does that mean?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> It means that we are not separate beings. I think<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> a thought and +speak it out and you hear it. I believe in that thought and so do you. +Whose is it then, yours or mine?</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> It belongs to both.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> But where does the thought come from? If it is true it belongs to +the truth, and it was true before I thought it.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Yes, mother.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> And if it was wrong, it is evil, and it was evil before we +thought it.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Yes, mother.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> And so are all our thoughts, but almost everybody assumes that +his self thinks these thoughts and invents them; and that is an +illusion.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> I see.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> [<i>to herself</i>] His eyes close. He is tired. [<span class="smcap">to Rahula</span>] Now go to +sleep again, Rahula, and dream of your father. I will sing you one of +father's songs.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> lays <span class="smcap">Rahula</span> down in the high bed and sings:</i></p></div> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">By ourselves is evil done,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By ourselves we pain endure.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By ourselves we cease from wrong,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By ourselves become we pure.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No one saves us but ourselves,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No one can and no one may.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span><span class="i0">We ourselves must walk the path,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Buddhas merely teach the way.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The boy sleeps. Then <span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> herself lies down on the mat +on the floor. Above her appears the vision of her dream. +Under the Bodhi tree in a forest landscape <span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> sits. +He is surrounded by a halo of light. <span class="smcap">Mara</span> approaches to tempt +him.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>M.</i> Thou art ahungered, worthy Sakyamuni,<br /> +Ahungered art thou from continued fasts,<br /> +And thou wilt starve unless thou take and eat.<br /> +I bring delicious food, take, eat and live.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> I shall not eat until my quest be done.<br /> +Much better 'tis to die in glorious battle<br /> +Than flee and lead a coward's life, defeated.<br /> +I shall not eat, O Mara, take thee hence.<br /> +<br /> +<i>M.</i> Wilt thou not listen to my good advice?<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> The tempter always calls his councils good,<br /> +But pleasures which he promises are evil.<br /> +<br /> +<i>M.</i> I will not suffer thee to stay, Siddhattha,<br /> +And shall disturb thy daring quest of truth.<br /> +I'll split the Bodhi tree by lightning<br /> +And frighten thee away with rumbling thunder.<br /> +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>All is wrapped in darkness, except <span class="smcap">Siddhattha</span> and the Bohdi +tree. Thunder and lightning. After a while the noise abates. +It grows light again. <span class="smcap">Mara's</span> daughters appear.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>M.</i> Go forth my daughters, tempt the holy man,<br /> +And lure him from the seat of Buddahood.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Three graceful women, <span class="smcap">Mara's</span> daughters, sing in a low +enticing voice.</i></p></div> + +<p>[Melody: The Mermaids' Song from Weber's Oberon.]</p> + +<p> +Sweetest on earth 'tis in pleasure to live,<br /> +Love thou must ask for, and love thou must give.<br /> +Pain we can soothe and assuage every smart,<br /> +Yea, we will grant thee the wish of thy heart.<br /> +Power bestow we, enjoyment and mirth,<br /> +Health and wealth also, and all that has worth.<br /> +Lo, of life's happiness naught shalt thou miss,<br /> +Satisfied longings are greatest of bliss.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>While they sing they circle around the Bodhi tree and pose +in graceful attitudes.</i></p></div> + +<p>[Siddhattha does not mind Mara's daughters. They withdraw, and +grotesque monsters appear in threatening attitudes, exhibiting a +savage war dance, always approaching the tree and turning their +weapons against the Sakyamuni, but as soon as they approach the halo +they droop, unable to hurt him. Lotus flowers rain down. Sakyamuni +raises his right hand. A flash of lightning and a sudden clap of +thunder. The spook vanishes in darkness while the Buddha under the +Bodhi tree alone remains visible in a halo of light. The forest +landscape reappears in full light as before.]</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> The wheel of life turns round through birth and death,<br /> +Its twelve-linked chain of causes takes its start<br /> +In ignorance and ends in suffering.<br /> +The truth is found, the fourfold noble truth;<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>All life is sorrow, sorrow's cause is lust,<br /> +But from our sorrow we can escape<br /> +If we abandon lust and thought of self.<br /> +The eightfold noble path of righteousness<br /> +Delivers from all evil: it will bring<br /> +Sweet peace of mind and leadeth to Nirvana.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[With music accompaniment]</p></div> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Through many births I sought in vain<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The builder of this house of pain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now, builder, thee I plainly see!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This is the last abode for me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thy gable's yoke, thy rafters broke,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My heart has peace; all lust will cease.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>[The following words fit exactly the music of Haydn's Chorus with Soli +No. 13<a name="FNanchor_B" id="FNanchor_B"></a><a href="#Footnote_B" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> in The Creation, and the spirit of the composition is very +appropriate for this scene]</p> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B" id="Footnote_B"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> Peters' Edition, pp 44-55 "Die Himmel erzahlen, etc." In +a few places where the fugas set in, the words "The wicked Mara's +host" should read "The wicked one's,—the wicked Mara's host," etc.</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Chorus of Angels.</i></p></div> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Behold the great muni,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His heart unmoved by hatred,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The wicked Mara's host<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Gainst him did not prevail.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Trio of <span class="smcap">Brahma Vishnu Shiva</span>.</i></p></div> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Victorious Buddha<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou art wise and pure,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span><span class="i0">The darkness is gone<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And enlightenment gained.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Chorus of Angels as above.</i></p></div> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Proclaim the truth<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To all the world.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Truth will bring salvation.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Glory to the truth!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Chorus of Angels as above.</i></p></div> + + +<p>[Lotus flowers rain down thicker and thicker, clouds cover the scene, +but the Buddha under the Bodhi tree remains still dimly but +sufficiently visible.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> wakes up. She rises and lights a candle from a +rush lamp. She kneels with clasped hands before the vision of +the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Oh Siddhattha, my Lord and Husband, no longer my Husband, but the +Buddha. In thee I take my refuge. In thee and thy word, I believe. Thy +doctrine shall guide me. Accept me as thy faithful disciple, a +disciple of the Buddha, my Lord, the Tathagata, the great thinker, the +Saviour of mankind.</p> + +<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain.</span>]</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p> + +<h2><i>SECOND INTERLUDE</i>.</h2> +<p><i>Living pictures accompanied by appropriate music to introduce the +Third Act.</i></p> + + +<p>1. <span class="smcap">The Foundation of the Kingdom of Righteousness</span>.</p> + +<p>Buddha preaches to his five disciples the way of salvation, which +speech, preserved in a special book, is frequently compared to +Christ's Sermon on the Mount.</p> + +<p>Buddha stands with raised hand, while five monks stand or sit or squat +around him in devout attitude.</p> + +<p>2. <span class="smcap">Entering the Capital</span>.</p> + +<p>When Buddha came to Rajagaha, the people met him on the way and +accompanied him into the city in triumphal procession which is +analogous to Christ's entry into Jerusalem.</p> + +<p>The Buddha with bowl in one hand and staff in the other is followed by +yellow-robed monks. The people strew flowers, carry palm branches and +wave kerchiefs.</p> + +<p>3. <span class="smcap">The Courtesan</span>.</p> + +<p>Ambapali, the Buddhist Mary Magdalen, came to Buddha, worshiping him +and invited him to take his meal at her home. To the astonishment of +several moralists, he accepted and honored the penitent sinner.</p> + +<p>A beautifully dressed woman with clasped hands kneels before Buddha, a +maid in attendance behind her. Some well dressed people of high caste +watch the scene with an expression of indignation.</p> + +<p>4. <span class="smcap">The Philanthropist</span>.</p> + +<p>The wealthiest man of Savatthi invites the Buddha to his home and +offers to build a resthouse for the Buddha and his brotherhood.</p> + +<p>Anatha Pindika kneels before the Buddha, holding in one hand the +picture and plan of a building. Buddha indicates by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> his lowered hand +acceptance of the gift. Buddha attended by two monks, Anatha Pindika +accompanied by the architect.</p> + +<p>5. <span class="smcap">Prince Jeta</span>.</p> + +<p>It is told that the most beautiful spot in Savatthi was the royal park +of Prince Jeta, which Anatha Pindika wanted to buy for the brotherhood +of Buddha. The owner was unwilling to sell and made the exorbitant +demand to have the whole ground covered with gold as its price. But +Anatha Pindika had the gold carried to the garden and paid the price.</p> + +<p>The scene is laid in the garden. Anatha Pindika with bags of gold +stands in commanding attitude. His servants spread the coins while +Prince Jeta throws up his hands in astonishment.</p> + +<p>(Anatha Pindika is not the real name of the founder of the Jetavana. +The name means, "[He who gives to] the indigent, alms.")</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="ACT_III" id="ACT_III"></a>ACT III.</h2> + + +<h2>FIRST SCENE</h2> +<p>[A Brahman temple with a statue of Durga; before the idol an altar. In +the background a landscape with farms and a sheep-fold.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter from the right <span class="smcap">General Siha</span> (GS.) with a <span class="smcap">Captain</span> (C) +and some soldiers.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Pitch the tents on the slope of yonder hill where that farmhouse +stands.</p> + +<p><i>C.</i> It shall be done, my general.</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> What crowd is gathered there with flags and flowers?</p> + +<p><i>C.</i> It is the farmer's family led by the village priest, and +neighbors flock around to swell their number.</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> The priest handles a big knife that flashes in the sun. I see +his hands are stained with gore. They seem to celebrate a feast in +honor of a god.</p> + +<p><i>C.</i> The villagers inform me that the occasion of it is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> sad. One of +the farmer's children died of late, and others being sick the father +invokes the goddess Kali to preserve the rest of his family. They are +arrayed for a procession and having offered a young sheep at the altar +of the homestead they have started out. See how the crowd are wending +their way hither to the temple.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">General Siha</span> looks around and contemplates the scenery, then +turns to the <span class="smcap">Captain</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Now pitch the tents before the sun goes down.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>In the meantime, the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> enters with two disciples. They +sit down under a tree. The <b>Captain</b> bows to them reverently +and leaves the stage.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Greetings to you, holy monks.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> Peace be with thee, and may thy sword ne'er reek with blood.</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> I draw the sword for my king, for my country and for the +restoration of order where enemies or rebels have disturbed it.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Thou lookst courageous and thy very words<br /> +Possess a ring of simple honesty.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> I serve a mighty king who means to do the right. He prefers to +establish his rule by treaty and spares an enemy who sues for peace.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>B.</i> Thou speakst of Bimbisara, King of Magadha?</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Indeed I speak of the great Bimbisara, and he is born to sway +the world. My sympathy and my allegiance go with him. I am Siha, his +general.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> Thy name is known throughout the Indian lands.</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> When I chose my profession I prayed to the gods that they would +never let it be my lot to fight for any unjust cause.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Let this thy prayer be a sacred vow<br /> +Which thou wilt keep inviolate. Our fate,<br /> +Or say the gods, create conditions; but thou<br /> +Thyself must act. Thou art responsible,<br /> +Thou shapest thine own life, and not the gods.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Thy words please me! What is thy doctrine, venerable monk?</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> I teach the middle way between extremes.<br /> +Neither mortifications of the body<br /> +Nor self-indulgence should be practised.<br /> +We must make up our minds and walk<br /> +On the eightfold noble path of righteousness.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Who art thou, wondrous monk? Thy doctrine is so plain, and so +convincing that I grant thou speakest truth. The people ought to know +thee and accept thy creed. Who art thou?</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> Born of the Sakya race, they call me Sakyamuni.</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Blessed be this day on which I meet the greatest man of our age. +I heard of thee from the Nirgran<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>thas, thine own enemies, the rival +sect of thy new order, and they say that thou deniest the soul, thou +teachest extinction, thou leadest man to non-existence, and that +Nirvana is with thee an empty naught—annihilation.—Is that true?</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> I teach extinction, noble general,<br /> +Of hatred, greed, and lust, but I insist<br /> +On doing what is right and just and good;<br /> +On doing resolutely what we do,<br /> +On searching for the truth, on setting up<br /> +Its lamp and following its holy light.<br /> +Nirvana is attained when passions are<br /> +Extinct and when the heart is blessed with peace.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Thou art more than a mortal, holy man. Auspicious +is this day on which I've met thee. The people call +thee Buddha, perhaps rightly so! A feeling of deep +reverence comes over me and the truth dawns on +me. Truly thou art the teacher of the world. If +thy doctrine impressed the people a new era would +begin, an era in which mankind would be wiser and +nobler, happier and better.</p> + +<p>[Barbaric music is heard behind the stage, the drum being prominent.]</p> + +<p><i>Voices behind the stage:</i> Maha Kali! Kali Ma!</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Behold how wretched are these people in their ignorance.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> They must be taught and they will learn the truth.</p> + +<p>[The procession enters. A small band of musicians comes with primitive +instruments, among them drums. They are fol<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>lowed first by dancers, +then by a priest (<i>Pr.</i>) flourishing in his bloody hand a large knife. +By his side walks a shepherd carrying a lamb. Behind them the farmer's +(<i>F.</i>) family and other people]</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> What horrible sounds! And the crowd behave like madmen.</p> + +<p><i>Pr.</i> Maha Kali!</p> + +<p><i>Crowd.</i> Kali Ma!</p> + +<p><i>Pr.</i> Goddess of the black countenance! Great Black Mother!</p> + +<p> +<i>Crowd.</i> Maha Kali! Kali Ma!<br /> +Maha Kali! Kali Ma!<br /> +Maha Kali! Kali Ma!<br /> +</p> + +<p>[The priest steps to the altar; the crowd kneels in a large circle. At +the priest's signal the farmer approaches the altar and kneels. His +behavior betrays superstitious timidity and great awkwardness. The +shepherd exhibits the lamb first to the priest and then to the dancers +who in fantastic dancing step advance and retreat while the music +plays. Finally the lamb is placed on the altar.]</p> + +<p> +<i>Pr.</i> Have Mercy on us! Slay the demon of disease.<br /> +Keep away Yama the horrible one, the god of Death.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Crowd.</i> Kali Ma, have mercy on us!</p> + +<p> +<i>Pr.</i> Thou art Parvati, the wife of Siva. Thou hast conquered the giant Durga, the evil one, and now thyself art called the goddess Durga.<br /> +Thou art Mahishamardini, the slayer of Mahisha.<br /> +Thou art Kalaratri, Nightly Darkness, abyss of all mysteries.<br /> +Thou art Jagaddhatri, mother of the world.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>Thou art Jagadgauri, renowned throughout the world.<br /> +Thou art Katyayina, refulgent with a thousand suns.<br /> +Thou art Singhavahini, seated on a lion thou wonest victory over Raktavija, leader of the giants' army.<br /> +Great Mother of Life, accept our offering, the blood of this lamb.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Crowd.</i> Maha Kali, accept our offering!<br /> +Kali Ma, accept our offering!<br /> +Kali Durga, great Goddess, accept our offering!<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The priest turns toward the lamb and raises his knife. +<span class="smcap">Buddha</span> steps to the altar and places his hand gently upon the +priest's arm.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Hold!<br /> +<br /> +<i>Pr.</i><span class="f3">Meddler!</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i><span class="f2">Pause before thou sheddest blood.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pr.</i> How dar'st thou rudely interfere, strange monk,<br /> +With our most sacred sacrifice? This lamb<br /> +Is offered to the goddess. Thou disturbest<br /> +Our holy ritual.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He lifts his knife against <span class="smcap">Buddha</span>, but <span class="smcap">Siha</span> draws his sword +and knocks the knife out of the priest's hand.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>GS.</i><span class="f3">Keep peace, bold priest!</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pr.</i> The vengeance of the gods will be upon you.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span><br /> +<i>B.</i> If there be gods they must be potent, noble,<br /> +And great and holy; and if the gods are holy,<br /> +They do not need the offering of a victim,<br /> +They do not want the life of this poor trembling lamb.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Pr.</i> The gods are kind; they take the lamb in place of this poor +stricken man. We must do penance for his sins, for the sins of his +wife, for the sins of his children.</p> + +<p><i>Farmer.</i> I crave forgiveness for the sins for which my dear good +child has had to die.</p> + +<p><i>Pr.</i> His sins are great and nothing can wash them away but blood.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Herein thou errest, priest. Blood does not cleanse.<br /> +It washes not away the stain of sin;<br /> +The slaughter of a victim heaps but guilt<br /> +On guilt, and does not right a wrong. Rise,<br /> +Rise, my good friend. Take comfort!<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The farmer rises.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<span class="f2">Be a man.</span><br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The others rise gradually.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>F.</i> What shall I do, good master?</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> Right all the wrongs thou didst and sin no more.</p> + +<p><i>Pr.</i> This lamb was given to the goddess. It is mine.</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> Are you the steward of the goddess' property?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Siha</span> steps close to the priest who retires step by step and +finally hurries off the stage.</i></p></div> + +<p> +Come, shepherd, take the frightened lambkin up<br /> +And bear it to its mother in the fold.<br /> +</p> + +<p>[The shepherd takes up the lamb and stands ready to carry it away. The +musicians slink away. The lambbearers and the people walk off in +procession, followed by the Buddha with his disciples. General Siha +remains alone on the stage. A trumpet call at a short distance and +another one close by.]</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> What does that signal mean?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>An officer accompanied by a trumpeter enters. A third +trumpet call on the stage. The officer delivers a letter.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Officer.</i> A dispatch from his majesty Bimbisara to his faithful and +most noble general, Siha.</p> + +<p><i>GS.</i> <i>Breaks the seal and reads to himself.</i></p> + +<p>"The Sakyas are a stubborn little nation. Their institutions are free; +their laws differ from those of the other surrounding states. These +people are a source of discontent and revolution, and are a sore in my +eye. Therefore, the Sakyas must be crushed, even if they sue for +peace. Keep the army near the border and be ready for a sudden +attack."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>With an expression of grief.</i></p></div> + +<p>War is unavoidable and I am to be the means by which the Sakyas will +be wiped off the earth. It is my duty, for the King commands it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> A +soldier should not argue, he obeys.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Draws his sword and looks at it.</i></p></div> + +<p> +This sword is consecrated to the service of my king.<br /> +Never have I drawn it except in honest fight.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Lost in contemplation.</i></p></div> + +<p> +Is Sakyamuni the Buddha?—Is he truly the Buddha?<br /> +Buddhas are wise; Buddhas are omniscient; Buddhas foresee the future.—<br /> +Is Sakyamuni truly the Buddha?—I believe he is.<br /> +And if he is the Buddha, is it right to wage a war against his people?—What shall I do?<br /> +Oh, ye gods, teach me my duty!<br /> +Oh, ye gods, may it not be my lot to fight for an unrighteous cause!<br /> +Cursed be the sword that sheds innocent blood.<br /> +</p> + + +<h2>SECOND SCENE.</h2> +<p class="center">[Bimbisara's court at Rajagaha]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Present: <span class="smcap">King Bimbisara</span> (Bb.), <span class="smcap">Visakha</span> (V), and <span class="smcap">Nagadeva</span> +(N).</i></p></div> + +<p><i>V.</i> The Sakyas will make a hard fight, great King, and the war will +cost blood. These northern settlers are taller and stronger than other +races and possess the courage of the inhabitants of their former +frigid homes. It would be easier to take possession of their state if +I married Princess Yasodhara and gradually<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> assumed the government +under your protection. Your mighty friendship would support me on the +throne and you could rule through me.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> That sounds acceptable, but in the meantime, I prepare for war.</p> + +<p><i>V.</i> Even in war I shall be of service to you. I can lead your army +where it will not meet with resistance, and I know the names of those +who are dissatisfied. Many could be induced to join your forces; and I +can betray the very person of the raja into your hands.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> <i>Nodding kindly to <span class="smcap">Visakha</span>, then turning to +<span class="smcap">Nagadeva</span>.</i></p> + +<p>Is our kingdom in readiness?</p> + +<p><i>N.</i> Great King, it is. General Siha stands in the field with a strong +force ready to strike. There are another fifty thousand within call to +make a sudden dash upon any of our neighbors should they dare come to +the aid of Sakya. Our treasury is well filled, and the people of +Magadha are prosperous. We could stand even a protracted war far +better than any other state in India.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> The time seems favorable; the risk is small, and the spoil will +be great. Convene my generals in the assembly hall.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They bow low and pass out. <span class="smcap">Ambapali</span> (Ap.) enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> Are they gone, my Lord, and what did you decide?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> I propose to go to war.</p> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> You are rightly called "the Warlike."</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> I want to round off my kingdom and expand my power northward +until it reaches the Himalayas.</p> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> The gods will speed you and the blessings of the saints shall be +upon your people.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Servant enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>St.</i> There is a holy man who wants to see your Highness. His name is +Devadatta.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> Show him in.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Servant exit.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> Is he not one of the disciples of the Buddha?</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> I believe he is.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Ambapali</span> retires.</i></p> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Devadatta</span> enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Dd.</i> Hail, great King! Protector of religion and victor of many +battles!</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> What brings you to my presence? I always rejoice to see holy +men. Their coming is auspicious, and I am happy to be of service to +them.</p> + +<p><i>Dd.</i> Great King, I implore your assistance for the brotherhood which +I have founded. We need your royal support and the holiness of our +lives will surround you as a halo with heavenly protection.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> Are you not a disciple of Gotama, who is called the Buddha?</p> + +<p><i>Dd.</i> No longer, mighty King, I was his disciple so long as I believed +in him; but he is not holy. I have abandoned him. He is not austere; +his disciples do not practise self-mortifications, and he speaks +kindly and dines with sinners. My disciples do not dress in worldly +garments; they would not accept the invitation of women; they would +not touch animal food. He who calls himself the Buddha is unworthy of +that high title; he is a pretender who has not reached the highest +goal. My rules are much more strict than his, and my brotherhood alone +is holy.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> Holiness is a mighty thing.</p> + +<p><i>Dd.</i> Yea, and our vows will shield your government, your throne, your +army and your people against any misfortune.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> I shall send my treasurer to investigate and will do what is +right.</p> + +<p><i>Dd.</i> Maharaja, be assured of my deepest gratitude.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bows low, exit.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> [<i>re-enters, excited</i>] My royal friend, do not trust that man +[<i>pointing toward the door where <span class="smcap">Devadatta</span> went out</i>]. He is false. He +may be holy, but he is treacherous. He may be virtuous; he may shun +joy and the blessings of life, he may practise all penances, he may +torture and mortify his body. But there is no true goodwill in him. +His holiness is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> egotistic, and his religion is hypocrisy. Support his +brotherhood with money or gifts as you see fit, but do not believe +what he says about the Buddha.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> [<i>With an inquiring look</i>] Why?</p> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> I know what he meant when he scoffed at him. When the Buddha +stayed at Vesali, I invited that noblest of all monks to take his meal +with me. I am not holy; I am a worldly woman; I am not a saint; but I +have a warm heart, I feel for others and I want to do what is right. +When I heard that the Buddha stayed in the mango grove, I thought to +myself, I will go and see him. If he is truly all-wise, he will judge +my heart and he will judge me in mercy. He will know my needs and will +not refuse me. I went to the mango grove and he looked upon me with +compassion; he accepted my invitation in the presence of witnesses, +openly, fearlessly, and in kindness. There were the proud Licchavi +princes, and close to him stood the envious Devadatta. How they +scowled; how they condemned the great and kindly saint! How they +whispered, "Shame on him!" and I saw how they despised me—yet they +did not dare to speak out or to censure him publicly. Then, my +gracious King, I knew that he was truly the Lord Buddha, the Allwise.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> My dear friend, I accept every word you say as true. I know the +goodness of your heart, I know your worth, your loving kindness, and +if you were of royal birth you would be worthy to wear a crown. The +Buddha did not demean himself when he honored<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> you.</p> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> Allow me one question. Did the Buddha ever beg you to support +his brotherhood?</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> No, he did not; but I will give him all the assistance he may +need.</p> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> Did he ever offer you the support of his vows, or did he ever +praise the efficacy of his holiness?</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> He never did.</p> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> Neither does he stand in need of self-recommendation, for his +very presence is a blessing, because he spreads goodwill and +kindliness, and the people who hear him are ashamed of doing anything +unrighteous. Devadatta extends to you the promise, if you but support +his disciples, of an unconditional protection through his holiness. +The Buddha's protection is not so cheaply earned. I heard him say that +every one must protect himself by his own righteousness, and no +prayer, no sacrifice, no religious devotion, nor even penance or fasts +could protect a man from the wrongs which he does.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> The Buddha's presence would be more auspicious than ten +Devadattas.</p> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> Oh, most assuredly! And what a contempt I have for the virtuous +indignation of men who, overmoral themselves, judge haughtily of +others; yet, if you look into their souls you discover that they are +heartless and self-seeking villains.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> Your judgment is well grounded.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Ap.</i> The Buddha alone possesses greatness, and the Buddha does not +seek honor, but the people adore him.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> Rajagaha must become the center of India. I will send for the +Buddha and invite him to visit me. His sojourn here will make the +kingdom of Magadha more famous than conquests and victories.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The servant enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>St.</i> Mighty King, the prime minister Nagadeva.</p> + +<p><i>Bb.</i> He is welcome. Fare thee well, sweet heart; affairs of state +call me.</p> + +<p><i>N.</i> Mighty King, the generals are assembled. They hail thee as their +war lord, and are anxious for laurels, for glory, for booty!</p> + +<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Trumpets, Curtain.</span>]</p> + + +<h2><i>THIRD INTERLUDE.</i></h2> +<p class="center"><i>Living pictures accompanied by appropriate music.</i></p> + + +<p>1. <span class="smcap">Sending Out the Disciples.</span></p> + +<p>The Buddha called his disciples together, and having ordained them, +bade them spread the Gospel, with these words translated from the +Buddhist Canon:</p> + +<p>"Go ye now, O disciples, and wander forth for the benefit of the many, +for the welfare of mankind, out of compassion for the world. Preach +the doctrine which is glorious in the beginning, glorious in the +middle, and glorious in the end, in the spirit as well as in the +letter. There are beings whose eyes are scarcely covered with dust, +but if the doctrine is not preached to them they cannot attain +salvation. Proclaim to them a life of holiness. They will understand +the doctrine and accept it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Pali expression <i>kalyamo dhamma</i> is here translated "glorious +doctrine." The dictionary defines the first word as "excellent, +beautiful, glorious." This closely corresponds to the Christian term, +which, as derived from the Greek, reads "evangel" and in its Saxon +equivalent "gospel" or "good tidings."</p> + +<p>2. <span class="smcap">The Rich Youth</span>.</p> + +<p>Yasa, the son of a wealthy nobleman of Benares, came by night to the +Blessed One and exclaimed: "What misery!" But the Buddha answered, +"There is no misery for him who has entered the Path."</p> + +<p>Yasa, richly dressed, with an expression of distress, before the +Buddha who comforts him. The scene is framed in darkness, the two +figures being lit up by a torch.</p> + +<p>3. <span class="smcap">A Child's Offering.</span></p> + +<p>Old frescoes in the Ajanta Caves show a mother sending a gift through +her child. It looks as if they were Buddhist illustrations of Christ's +injunction, "Suffer little children to come unto me."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="ACT_IV" id="ACT_IV"></a>ACT IV.</h2> + + +<h2>FIRST SCENE</h2> +<p>[A room in the Jetavana. The wheel of the law pictured on one side and +the wheel of becoming on the other. Otherwise swastikas and lotus +flowers serve as ornaments. A large opening exhibits a view into a +garden with running water. On the right side there is a platform with +low seats, on the other there is a low table with a divan, on which +Anatha Pindika is seated, looking over palmleaf manuscripts.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Present: <span class="smcap">Anatha Pindika</span> (A); Servant (St.); <span class="smcap">Prince Jeta</span> (J); +later on <span class="smcap">Kala Udayin</span> (K) and the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> (B).</i></p> + +<p><i>A servant enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>St.</i> His Highness the Prince Jeta.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> Show him in.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Jeta</span> enters. A. rises to meet him with bows.</i></p></div> + +<p>You are most welcome, my Prince.</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> I have come from my brother, the King, to express to you his +thanks for having bought my pleasure grounds for the noble and great +purpose of affording a worthy resthouse to the Buddha and his +brotherhood.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>A.</i> Kindly tender my gratitude to your royal brother for his gracious +message.</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> I hear that King Bimbisara has sent an embassy to the Buddha to +induce him to come back to Rajagaha. Has the Buddha received these +men?</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> Not yet. He will see them this morning.</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> We ought to keep him here. He is a wonderful man, and I consider +our city fortunate to have him reside with us. What astonishes me is +his way of conquering the hearts of all men, even of his opponents, +and he is so sensible.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> What do you mean?</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> I am not a religious man; I am too worldly, but him I would +follow.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> Why?</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> He is perhaps the only religious reformer who does not go to +extremes. He rejects on the one hand austerities, self-mortifications, +penances, and severe fasts as useless, and on the other hand, he would +not allow his followers to indulge in pleasures; but he insists most +sensibly on keeping between the two extremes and proclaims the middle +path of leading a righteous life. There is nothing absurd about him. +Think of Devadatta. He insists that the monks should dress in rags +picked up in cemeteries. The Buddha appeals to common sense, and +therefore I say, he is a wonderful man.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> He is more than a man; he is enlightenment incarnate.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> + +<p>A stream of blessings goes out from him.</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> He has grown into an international power, and kings do well not +to ignore his influence.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> I think so myself, and I am so glad that his influence is always +for good, never for evil, and his ways are so marvelously gentle.</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> Indeed that is a blessing. If he were not so absolutely +indifferent to his own affairs he might become positively dangerous. +His lay disciples count in thousands of thousands. The farmers in the +country, the merchants in the towns, the lawyers, the artisans, and +even the soldiers believe in him. Lately General Siha became a lay +member of the Buddha's brotherhood, and many other prominent officers +followed his example.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> He would never have gained this influence if he were not truly +the Buddha.</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> I want to tell you that a war is threatening, but please do not +speak of it, it is a deep secret. A spy in the secret service of my +royal brother has found out that King Bimbisara intends to fall upon +the Sakyas and deprive them of their independence. The Brahman +Visakha, minister of state, has turned traitor and promises to deliver +his country into the hands of King Bimbisara on the condition that he +be made Raja in Suddhodana's place.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> The country of the Sakyas is but small, and their independence +will not last long; it is a mere question<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> of time.</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> But consider that the Buddha hails from Kapilavatthu. He is the +son of Suddhodana, the Sakya raja.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> Indeed he is and may I be permitted to inform him of the danger +that threatens his father's house?</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> I give you full liberty, for he will use discretion and not +betray his informant. I deem Bimbisara's plan dangerous to himself. A +war with the Sakyas may cost Bimbisara his throne, for the people of +Rajagaha believe in the Buddha, and I learn that even now the war +rumors have made them restless.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Servant (St.) enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>St.</i> Here is a man with the name Kala Udayin, who has a message for +the Blessed One.</p> + +<p><i>A.</i> Show him in.</p> + +<p><i>J.</i> I leave you now and hope that you will keep the Buddha as long as +possible in Savatthi.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Kala Udayin</span> enters and bows to <span class="smcap">Anatha Pindika</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>A.</i> You want to see the Blessed One? I will call him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Anatha Pindika</span> exit.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> [<i>Alone</i>] This is the place where Prince Siddhattha lives! Indeed +a most delightful spot and more pleasant than many a royal palace. And +how the people speak<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> of him! They call him the Blessed One, the +Buddha, the Tathagata, the Sakyamuni, the great Sage. The wealthiest +man of Kosala has bought these extensive and most beautiful grounds +and presented them to the brotherhood of his disciples, so that the +Buddha would stay here from time to time, and that the people of the +city would have him for their guest.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Buddha</span> accompanied by <span class="smcap">Anatha Pindika</span> comes in. He is +followed by two disciples. The <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> sits down on the seat +on the platform, having on either hand one of his disciples. +<span class="smcap">Anatha Pindika</span> stands below with clasped hands.</i></p> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Kala Udayin</span> sinks to his knees with clasped hands.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>B.</i> My friend, what brings you here?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> A message from your royal father: He bade me tell you that he is +growing old, and before he dies, he wants to see his son once more. +Would you deign to accept his invitation?</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> Tell me, my friend, how is my father? Is old age truly telling on +him?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Not yet so visibly, but he worries much.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> And how is Rahula? He is now seven years old and must be quite a +boy.</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> He is, my Lord; and how he talks of his father. He knows +everything you are doing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>B.</i> Who tells him?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> His mother does.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> And tell me how the princess fares?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> She imposes upon herself the observances which the mendicant +friars keep. She will have no preference over him who once was her +husband. She sleeps on the floor, she does no longer use unguents or +perfumes. She wears a simple yellow robe and observes the regulation +of the brotherhood in taking food.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> nods and with a distant look sits a few moments +in silence.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>B.</i> And she is a good mother?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> There could be no better.</p> + +<p><i>St.</i> [<i>announces</i>] An embassy of the most potent King of Magadha, the +great Bimbisara.</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> [<i>Addressing himself to the servant</i>] Let them come in, [<i>turning +to K.</i>] Kala Udayin, bring my father greetings, and say that I shall +come.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Kala Udayin</span> exit.</i></p> + +<p><i>A number of men, the embassy of King <span class="smcap">Bimbisara</span>, led by +<span class="smcap">Nagadeva</span>, most gorgeously dressed, file in. They let +themselves down on one knee, clasp their hands and rise +again.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>N.</i> Most gracious Lord, all-wise and blessed Buddha,<br /> +Our noble sov'reign bids me tender you<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>His most respectful greetings, and he hopes<br /> +That you return and visit Rajagaha,<br /> +For he is very anxious to be honored<br /> +By your auspicious presence in his kingdom.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> My Lords, express to your most mighty King<br /> +That the Tathagata can not accept<br /> +This friendly invitation, for he will<br /> +Start for his home, the country of the Sakyas,<br /> +To see his aged father and his kin.<br /> +If war or other ills befall his people,<br /> +He wants to live, if need be, die with them.<br /> +<br /> +<i>N.</i> Lord Buddha, speak a word of truth to us,<br /> +For I'm aware thou art omniscient.<br /> +Our royal master wants to hear from thee.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> All bodily existence passeth by<br /> +For it is compound and will be dissolved;<br /> +But there is Law; it is the Uncreate,<br /> +It is th' Etern, which is without beginning<br /> +And without end. That must our refuge be.<br /> +He who relies on the Impermanent,<br /> +And, being strong, attempts to crush the weak,<br /> +Will soon break down. This is the law of deeds,<br /> +For as we sow, such will our harvest be.<br /> +Rely on Truth, the Uncreate, th' Etern,<br /> +Be guided by the rule of Righteousness.<br /> +This is my message to the King, your Lord,<br /> +And may he be advised to rule his country<br /> +With love of peace, with goodness, and with wisdom.<br /> +My blessing be on him and on his people.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They kneel, clasp their hands, circumambulate the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> and +file out.</i></p> + +<p><i><span class="smcap">Jeta</span> returns in excitement.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>J.</i> The war is on! King Bimbisara's army<br /> +Is building bridges to attack the Sakyas.<br /> +</p> + +<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>. Trumpet signals, military music.]</p> + + +<h2><i>FOURTH INTERLUDE.</i></h2> +<p class="center"><i>Living Pictures Accompanied by Appropriate Music.</i></p> + + +<p>1. <span class="smcap">King Bimbisara on the Royal Elephant.</span></p> + +<p>The king is seated under a canopy, together with his minister and +field marshal. On the head of the elephant, the driver; and retinue on +either side.</p> + +<p>2. <span class="smcap">The Wanderer</span>.</p> + +<p>The Buddha was in the habit of wandering through the country from +place to place.</p> + +<p>The picture shows him with a staff in his right hand and a bowl in his +left in an Indian landscape.</p> + +<p>3. <span class="smcap">King Bimbisara in Camp</span>.</p> + +<p>Standing before the royal tent he addresses his generals.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="ACT_V" id="ACT_V"></a>ACT V.</h2> + + +<h2>FIRST SCENE.</h2> +<p>[Reception hall of the Raja Suddhodana; Indian pompous style; columns +and beyond an outlook into a tropical palm-garden. Seats scattered +through the room. On the left a compartment, open toward the audience, +is separated from the main room by hanging carpets.]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Near the right side <span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span> is seated with <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span> and +<span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span>. <span class="smcap">Rahula</span> in the background (viz., in the garden) in +the care of a nurse.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>S.</i> The time is troublesome, and it appears that war is imminent.</p> + +<p> +<i>P.</i><span class="f3">Oh do not fret;</span><br /> +Visakha is a cunning diplomat:<br /> +I hope he'll be successful, and he will<br /> +Persuade King Bimbisara to keep peace.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> I do hope too, but hope against conviction.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Visakha</span> and <span class="smcap">Devala</span> enter.</i></p></div> + +<p> +There come the Brahman and the gallant Captain.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> [Kneeling on one foot to the King] Hail Maharaja!<br /> +<br /> +<i>D.</i> Hail, my gracious King.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Welcome my worthy messengers!<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They kneel to <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>P.</i> Be welcome.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Tell me at once, how did your mission speed?<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> There is a subtle influence against you<br /> +At Bimbisara's court; there is a party<br /> +Bound to have war, and they will have it too,<br /> +Unless we meet them by diplomacy.<br /> +Leave it to me, and I'll preserve the peace.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> Had not my son turned mendicant, how useful<br /> +Could he at present be! I need a general,<br /> +A trusty man of youthful strength and courage<br /> +To take the helm and lead the ship of state<br /> +Through storm and danger, for our foes are strong.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> Great Raja, I am privy to your grief,<br /> +I know the hope you'd set upon Siddhattha.<br /> +What brilliant gifts the boy inherited,<br /> +From you, his royal father, and how he,<br /> +Forgetful of his filial duty, left you,<br /> +And his fair wife and child, to turn a beggar.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> All this is true, remind me not of it,<br /> +'Tis a disgrace to our most royal house,<br /> +And all the Rajas in the Indian land,<br /> +Will point to us and mock the Sakya tribe.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Rahula</span> comes in with childlike joy and brings his mother a +rose.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>R.</i> Here, mother, is a rose. I picked it from the bush where the +nightingale sings. I thought, if father had been here, he would have +brought the rose to you. He loves the flowers and so do you.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> My darling!</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> [<i>with a touch of anger</i>] Yasodhara, I wish you would not speak +to him too much of his father.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Why should mother not mention father? I love him and I should +know all about him. I want to join the Buddha's brotherhood.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Do you love him more than your grandfather?</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> I love my grandfather too, I love mother, and you, dear +grandmother [<i>turning to <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span></i>]. You are always so kind to me. I +love you all. But father I love in a different manner. I love him as +Buddha. I clasp my hands to him as to a god; and so do you mother, do +you not?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> [<i>Puts her hand on Rahula's mouth</i>] Hush! I thank you for the +rose, my child; now run away and bring another rose to grandfather, +and one for your grandmother Pajapati.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Yes mother, and one I keep for father when he comes.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Runs off.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>V.</i> Your grandson needs a father, Maha Raja!<br /> +And let me tender you my humble service.<br /> +I see Yasodhara, the noble princess,<br /> +Pine patiently away and spend in mourning<br /> +Her life's best years of youth and happiness.<br /> +She has been cruelly deserted, has<br /> +Been widowed by Siddhattha for a whim.<br /> +Give her to me in marriage, and I'll prove<br /> +A better father than that runaway,<br /> +A better father to your little grandson,<br /> +A better husband to his widowed wife.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> You are at liberty to ask my daughter.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> Fair Princess, cease to mourn, and grant my suit.<br /> +Thou shalt see better days than heretofore.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> I pledged my troth to Gotama Siddhattha,<br /> +And I shall never break my faith to him.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> Siddhattha is no more, he has turned monk<br /> +And you are free, you are Siddhattha's widow.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> My daughter, do not think that I oppose<br /> +Visakha's suit, for on the contrary<br /> +I do support it, and I wish you would<br /> +Accept him as a husband, for I need<br /> +Alliance with a brave and trusty man.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> Princess Yasodhara, here is my hand,<br /> +Do not refuse me.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> Brahman, spare your words.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> The time will come when you will sore regret.<br /> +O King, compel her to obey; make use<br /> +Of your good right as master of this house,<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>For I alone can save the Sakya state.<br /> +<br /> +<i>P.</i> O worthy Brahman, do not threaten us.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> Decide, O Maharaja; thou art Lord!<br /> +Thy bidding must be done. Shall women rule,<br /> +Or art thou master still in thine own home?<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> I am master here; but not a tyrant;<br /> +Among our people master means a leader.<br /> +The Sakya yeomen justly pride themselves<br /> +On their free institutions. I'm the first<br /> +Among them, not an autocrat nor despot;<br /> +I serve them as adviser, guide and father;<br /> +Shall I who never would infringe upon<br /> +The right of any poorest peasant woman,<br /> +Compel a princess of the royal house<br /> +To marry 'gainst her will? No sir, not I.<br /> +I wished the Princess to accept your suit,<br /> +But I shall never say, She must be yours.<br /> +<br /> +<i>V.</i> King of the Sakyas, you forget yourself,<br /> +I am a Brahman and of noble birth.<br /> +I served you faithfully for many years,<br /> +But now I quit your service, for I know<br /> +That Bimbisara, King of Magadha,<br /> +The mightiest of Indian rulers,<br /> +Will welcome me as friend and counselor.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He bows to the <span class="smcap">King</span> and <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span>, and leaves. For a moment +they are all silent.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>S.</i> I fear me that means war.</p> + +<p><i>D.</i> Indeed it does.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> + +<p> +If you remember, King, Visakha said<br /> +There was a subtle influence against you<br /> +At Bimbisara's court. It dawns on me<br /> +That he, Visakha, is the cause of it.<br /> +I saw him whisper with a courtier, then<br /> +He spoke in secret with a general,<br /> +And with the King too he was closeted.<br /> +The hypocrite has thrown away his mask,<br /> +And since he spoke out boldly, I know now<br /> +That he has been intriguing all the time.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> He thinks I hate my son, but I do not.<br /> +I'm only angry, I am disappointed,<br /> +Because he did not heed my dearest wish.<br /> +I love him still and I invited him<br /> +To visit his old home and me, his father.<br /> +I sent Udayin with a kindly greeting.<br /> +Oh, I'd forgive him all, and e'en his flight,<br /> +Had only he not turned a mendicant.<br /> +It hurts my pride to see a Sakya prince,<br /> +And mine own son, go round from house to house<br /> +With bowl in hand to beg his daily food.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Rahula</span> comes in excited.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>R.</i> Grandfather, here is your rose, and grandma, here is yours. And +oh! did you hear the news?</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> What is it, boy? Why are you so excited?</p> + +<p><i>P.</i> Who told you any news?</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> The guards at the gate. They say that my father has come. All the +people rush out of their houses and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> greet him with clasped hands. +They strew flowers on the road and hail him as the Buddha!</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> [<i>rises</i>] Why, is it possible?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Wants to retire.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>S.</i> Stay here. Kala Udayin comes.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Kala</span> enter and kneels.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> I bow in humble reverence before the King. And my respectful +salutations to all the members of the royal house [<i>turning to <span class="smcap">Gopa</span></i>] +and to you.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Bring you good news, Udayin?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Your noble son, my King, is coming.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Where did you find him?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> At the Jetavana at Savatthi.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> What kind of a place is that?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> It is the most wonderful pleasure park I ever saw. O King, your +garden here is a paltry affair in comparison with the Jetavana.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> There he lives in luxury?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Oh no Sir. Not at all. He could live in luxury, if he wanted to, +but he leads a simple life, as simple as the humblest servant in your +home, and when he wanders through the country after the rainy season +he lives like any mendicant friar. He overtook me on my way, and when +he came hither to Kapilavatthu, his home, he did as usual. Last night +he slept in the forest, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> this morning he went from house to house +with bowl in hand, begging his food, and he spoke a blessing wherever +people greeted him kindly, or gave him to eat.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Oh my son, my son! Why didst thou not go straight to the palace +where thy father has food enough for thee and all thy disciples!</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> He always follows the rule of the mendicants.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Oh my son! Why dost thou shame thy father in his own home?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> The Blessed One deems it no shame to beg. He is as modest as a +pauper and shows no pride, but wherever he comes, he is greeted like a +king, nay like a king of kings, and the wealthiest and most powerful +rulers come to do him reverence.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> And he is here, this wonderful man? And he is my son Siddhattha?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Yes, he is here, and it is your son, but no longer Siddhattha, +the Sakya prince, but Sakya muni, the sage of the Sakyas, the Buddha, +the Blessed One. When I spoke to him and gave him your message, he +inquired for you and the Queen Pajapati [<i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> rises</i>] and for +you, most honored Princess and for Rahula. Yes, he inquired for you +and how Rahula had grown.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> Did he speak kindly of us?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> He always speaks kindly, and he is always calm.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[Music a song, Buddhist Doxology, at a distance]</p></div> + +<p><i>K.</i> O listen to the music. Here he comes, the glorious Buddha. He +must be at the gate.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> [<i>rises again and withdraws.</i>] I must be gone.</p> + +<p><i>P.</i> O stay, Yasodhara.</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> No, I will hide me from his very sight; and if I am to him of any +value, he will ask for me.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Stay, Yasodhara.</p> + +<p> +<i>Y.</i> He fled from me because I was a hindrance<br /> +In his great quest, and he may shun me still.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Stay none the less.</p> + +<p><i>P.</i> Nay, let her withdraw; she is in tears and would break down.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> and <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span> withdraw to the partition behind the +curtains.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>S.</i> You say, that my son is greeted even by kings with clasped hands?</p> + +<p><i>K.</i> Yea, even kings kneel to him.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> I shall do nothing of the kind. He is my son, my disobedient son, +and I am still his father.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Pajapati</span> returns.</i></p> + +<p><i>The procession of the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> comes. Two monks precede and +stand at either side of the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span>. Accompanying monks and +other public come into the garden, crowding up to the +columns. They all kneel with clasped hands, except +<span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> My blessing to this house, to you, O King,<br /> +And also to the Queen Pajapati,<br /> +My dear good aunt and loving foster mother.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> At last thou comest back, my wayward son,<br /> +But why didst shame me? Why didst thou go begging<br /> +Here in my capital? Thou art descended<br /> +From ancestors who are a royal race.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> My ancestors are Buddhas of past ages,<br /> +Their thinking has descended unto me,<br /> +Their habits and their rules of life I follow,<br /> +And not the regulations of a court.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The people rise to their feet again; <span class="smcap">Kala</span> joins <span class="smcap">Gopa</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>S.</i> Tell me, what are the rules of former Buddhas?</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> They greet you with a stanza in return<br /> +For any food or hospitality.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> I shall be glad to hear what you will say.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i></p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Awake from sleep, dispel the dream;</span><br /> +<span class="i0">Before the truth's bright ray</span><br /> +<span class="i0">Things truly are not what they seem</span><br /> +<span class="i0">But truth points out the way.</span><br /> +<span class="i0">Truth, truth alone will bring you bliss,</span><br /> +<span class="i0">In the next life and e'en in this.</span><br /> +</div></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Rahula</span> brings a rose to <span class="smcap">Buddha</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>R.</i> Here, father, is a rose I saved for you<br /> +On the big bush where nests the nightingale.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> And this is Rahula! How you have grown!<br /> +Where is your mother?<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i><span class="f3">Yasodhara was here,</span><br /> +But would not stay. On hearing that you came<br /> +She left the room and said that if at all<br /> +You cared for her, you would not fail to ask.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>B.</i> But I want to see her, lead me to the place.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Buddha</span> hands his bowl to the King, <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span> rises and leads +the way. At a distance a flourish of trumpets.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>D.</i> What military signals do I hear?</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> Go, Captain Devala, see what it means.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Devala</span> exit. <span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span> hands the bowl to one of the +disciples.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Ye two disciples shall attend the meeting.<br /> +Above all passion has the Buddha risen,<br /> +But he will comfort her who loves him dearly.<br /> +The Princess' heart is filled with deepest grief,<br /> +And in no wise shall any one rebuke her<br /> +In whatsoever way she greeteth him.<br /> +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Pajapati</span> opens the curtain leading to the apartment where +<span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> sits. <span class="smcap">Buddha, Pajapati</span> and <span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span> enter. +<span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> sinks down before him and holds his feet, weeping. +The flourish of trumpets is repeated.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>S.</i> [<i>Grows restless, turns to <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span></i>] These warlike trumpets have a foreign sound<br /> +And may forbode the enemy's attack.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He leaves the apartment where <span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> is and re-enters the +hall, going toward the entrance in the background between the +columns.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Yasodhara, I bring thee happy tidings,<br /> +Deliverance is found, let go thy grief.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> looking up to <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> with deep emotion.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>Y.</i> Oh Lord, how did I long for your return,<br /> +But in your eyes I have become as naught.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> My faithful helpmate and my former wife,<br /> +Thou hast been dear to me, dear art thou still,<br /> +But truth is dearer, and to truth I cling,<br /> +While on my quest of truth in former lives,<br /> +And also now in this existence, thou<br /> +With voluntary sacrifice hast aided me,<br /> +Imagine not that thou a hindrance art<br /> +To me or to my work and holy mission.<br /> +Next to my sainted mother thou art blessed<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>Among the women of this world. Rejoice<br /> +And let grief pass from thy suffering soul.<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Y.</i> [<i>In a kneeling posture</i>] Grant me a boon, my Lord, a precious +boon.</p> + +<p><i>R.</i> Yea, father, grant the boon that mother wants.</p> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> Speak, Princess, and I listen to thy word.<br /> +I know thy heart, Yasodhara; I know<br /> +That naught but worthy thoughts dwell in thy mind.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> Grant me to help thee in thy noble mission.<br /> +I want to join the band of thy disciples.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She pauses and the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> hesitates to answer.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<span class="f3">I shall be happy if I do thy work.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Dost thou not know this boon is but a burden?<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i> The heavier it be, my Lord, the more I welcome it.<br /> +<br /> +<i>R.</i><span class="f3">Oh grant the boon!</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i><span class="f2">Not yet</span><br /> +Yasodhara, have women been admitted;<br /> +But I foresee the time will come.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Y.</i><span class="f2">My Lord</span><br /> +The time is here if thou but grant the boon.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> places his right hand in blessing upon +<span class="smcap">Yasodhara's</span> head.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>B.</i> So let it be, and so thy boon be granted;<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>I may not hinder thee if thou insistest.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>As <span class="smcap">Pajapati</span> helps <span class="smcap">Yasodhara</span> to rise, a third flourish of +trumpets is heard, this time near by and loud. <span class="smcap">Devala</span> returns +in great excitement and addresses <span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span>.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>D.</i> My noble liege, an embassy is coming<br /> +From Bimbisara, King of Magadha.<br /> +They are the kingdom's highest ministers,<br /> +And sullen do they look and their retainers.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> 'Tis most unfortunate, but let them in.<br /> +<br /> +<i>D.</i> There's more to be announced.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i><span class="f2">You look excited.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>D.</i> It is but the beginning of the end:<br /> +Our scouts are captured, one of them escaped.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He hesitates.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>S.</i> Well, Devala?<br /> +<br /> +<i>D.</i><span class="f3">He carries evil news.</span><br /> +</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> [<i>With great anxiety</i>] By Issara! Speak, man! Don't hesitate.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Devala</span> covers his eyes with his hands and sobs.</i></p></div> + +<p><i>S.</i> Tell me the worst. Tell me the worst at once.</p> + +<p><i>D.</i> O that I had no tongue to tell the tidings.</p> + +<p><i>S.</i> I will be brave, speak freely! Be a man!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>In the meantime the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> together with the others has +entered the main hall.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>D.</i> Our cause is lost. We are surrounded,<br /> +Three bridges have been built and General Siha<br /> +Stands ready with an overwhelming army<br /> +To crush us.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i><span class="f3">Once I had a son! But he</span><br /> +Alas! turned mendicant and fails me now!<br /> +In him no drop of warrior blood is left,<br /> +No spark of honor gloweth in his heart<br /> +And our ancestral pride goes down in shame.<br /> +<br /> +<i>B.</i> Transient, my noble father, are all things.<br /> +All kingdoms finally must pass away,<br /> +But if thou tak'st thy refuge in the truth,<br /> +Thou wilt be free from all vicissitudes.<br /> +The kingdom of the truth alone endures.<br /> +<br /> +<i>S.</i> [<i>With indignation.</i>] Siddhattha, spare thy monkish rant,<br /> +Far better than thy cowardly submission,<br /> +Far nobler and befitting it would be,<br /> +To draw the sword and die a hero's death.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The embassy in solemn procession files in as before at the +Jetavana. The <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> withdraws and is not noticed by the +embassy. Prime Minister <span class="smcap">Nagadeva</span> (N) addresses King +<span class="smcap">Suddhodana</span>.</i></p></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p> +<p><i>N.</i> Oh Maharaja, listen to our message!<br /> +The ruler of the mighty Magadha,<br /> +King Bimbisara, sends you kindly greetings.<br /> +He wants you to entreat the Blessed One,<br /> +The holy Buddha, who now stays with you,<br /> +Who, as he learneth, is your noble son,<br /> +To come to Rajagaha on a visit.<br /> +There have been rumors of intended war,<br /> +And armies are maneuvering nearby,<br /> +But be assured, our noble King means peace.<br /> +He would not draw the sword against your state,<br /> +Nor wage a war against the Buddha's father.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i><span class="smcap">Suddhodana's</span> eye searches for the <span class="smcap">Buddha</span> who has been +standing behind a column and now steps forward.</i></p></div> + +<p> +<i>S.</i> Oh noble son, oh blessed, highest Buddha,<br /> +Thou art indeed a King of Kings on earth!<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He kneels down. All members of the embassy do the same.</i></p></div> + +<p> +No crown thou wear'st, no scepter's in thy hand,<br /> +Thou needest neither lance, nor sword nor shield,<br /> +And yet thou rulest, with mere word and thought,<br /> +Thou sway'st the destinies of all the world,<br /> +I did not know thy power and thy great worth;<br /> +But now I bow me down in humble faith,<br /> +And I take refuge in the truth thou preachest.<br /> +Henceforth I will devote myself to spread<br /> +The kingdom of good will and righteousness.<br /> +</p> + +<p class="center">[Music Buddhist Doxology]</p> + +<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Buddha, by Paul Carus + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BUDDHA *** + +***** This file should be named 22782-h.htm or 22782-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/2/7/8/22782/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Sankar Viswanathan, +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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