SECOND SCENE.

Enter from the rightGeneral Siha(GS.) with aCaptain(C) and some soldiers.

GS.Pitch the tents on the slope of yonder hill where that farmhouse stands.

C.It shall be done, my general.

GS.What crowd is gathered there with flags and flowers?

C.It is the farmer's family led by the village priest, and neighbors flock around to swell their number.

GS.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.

C.The villagers inform me that the occasion of it issad. 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.

General Sihalooks around and contemplates the scenery, then turns to theCaptain.

GS.Now pitch the tents before the sun goes down.

In the meantime, theBuddhaenters with two disciples. They sit down under a tree. TheCaptainbows to them reverently and leaves the stage.

GS.Greetings to you, holy monks.

B.Peace be with thee, and may thy sword ne'er reek with blood.

GS.I draw the sword for my king, for my country and for the restoration of order where enemies or rebels have disturbed it.

B.Thou lookst courageous and thy very wordsPossess a ring of simple honesty.

GS.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.

B.Thou speakst of Bimbisara, King of Magadha?

GS.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.

B.Thy name is known throughout the Indian lands.

GS.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.

B.Let this thy prayer be a sacred vowWhich thou wilt keep inviolate. Our fate,Or say the gods, create conditions; but thouThyself must act. Thou art responsible,Thou shapest thine own life, and not the gods.

GS.Thy words please me! What is thy doctrine, venerable monk?

B.I teach the middle way between extremes.Neither mortifications of the bodyNor self-indulgence should be practised.We must make up our minds and walkOn the eightfold noble path of righteousness.

GS.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?

B.Born of the Sakya race, they call me Sakyamuni.

GS.Blessed be this day on which I meet the greatest man of our age. I heard of thee from the Nirgranthas, 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?

B.I teach extinction, noble general,Of hatred, greed, and lust, but I insistOn doing what is right and just and good;On doing resolutely what we do,On searching for the truth, on setting upIts lamp and following its holy light.Nirvana is attained when passions areExtinct and when the heart is blessed with peace.

GS.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.

[Barbaric music is heard behind the stage, the drum being prominent.]

Voices behind the stage:Maha Kali! Kali Ma!

GS.Behold how wretched are these people in their ignorance.

B.They must be taught and they will learn the truth.

[The procession enters. A small band of musicians comes with primitive instruments, among them drums. They are followed first by dancers, then by a priest (Pr.) flourishing in his bloody hand a large knife. By his side walks a shepherd carrying a lamb. Behind them the farmer's (F.) family and other people]

GS.What horrible sounds! And the crowd behave like madmen.

Pr.Maha Kali!

Crowd.Kali Ma!

Pr.Goddess of the black countenance! Great Black Mother!

Crowd.Maha Kali! Kali Ma!Maha Kali! Kali Ma!Maha Kali! Kali Ma!

[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.]

Pr.Have Mercy on us! Slay the demon of disease.Keep away Yama the horrible one, the god of Death.

Crowd.Kali Ma, have mercy on us!

Pr.Thou art Parvati, the wife of Siva. Thou hast conquered the giant Durga, the evil one, and now thyself art called the goddess Durga.Thou art Mahishamardini, the slayer of Mahisha.Thou art Kalaratri, Nightly Darkness, abyss of all mysteries.Thou art Jagaddhatri, mother of the world.Thou art Jagadgauri, renowned throughout the world.Thou art Katyayina, refulgent with a thousand suns.Thou art Singhavahini, seated on a lion thou wonest victory over Raktavija, leader of the giants' army.Great Mother of Life, accept our offering, the blood of this lamb.Crowd.Maha Kali, accept our offering!Kali Ma, accept our offering!Kali Durga, great Goddess, accept our offering!

The priest turns toward the lamb and raises his knife.Buddhasteps to the altar and places his hand gently upon the priest's arm.

B.Hold!Pr.Meddler!B.Pause before thou sheddest blood.Pr.How dar'st thou rudely interfere, strange monk,With our most sacred sacrifice? This lambIs offered to the goddess. Thou disturbestOur holy ritual.

He lifts his knife againstBuddha, butSihadraws his sword and knocks the knife out of the priest's hand.

GS.Keep peace, bold priest!Pr.The vengeance of the gods will be upon you.B.If there be gods they must be potent, noble,And great and holy; and if the gods are holy,They do not need the offering of a victim,They do not want the life of this poor trembling lamb.

Pr.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.

Farmer.I crave forgiveness for the sins for which my dear good child has had to die.

Pr.His sins are great and nothing can wash them away but blood.

B.Herein thou errest, priest. Blood does not cleanse.It washes not away the stain of sin;The slaughter of a victim heaps but guiltOn guilt, and does not right a wrong. Rise,Rise, my good friend. Take comfort!

The farmer rises.

Be a man.

The others rise gradually.

F.What shall I do, good master?

B.Right all the wrongs thou didst and sin no more.

Pr.This lamb was given to the goddess. It is mine.

GS.Are you the steward of the goddess' property?

Sihasteps close to the priest who retires step by step and finally hurries off the stage.

Come, shepherd, take the frightened lambkin upAnd bear it to its mother in the fold.

[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.]

GS.What does that signal mean?

An officer accompanied by a trumpeter enters. A third trumpet call on the stage. The officer delivers a letter.

Officer.A dispatch from his majesty Bimbisara to his faithful and most noble general, Siha.

GS.Breaks the seal and reads to himself.

"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."

With an expression of grief.

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.A soldier should not argue, he obeys.

Draws his sword and looks at it.

This sword is consecrated to the service of my king.Never have I drawn it except in honest fight.

Lost in contemplation.

Is Sakyamuni the Buddha?—Is he truly the Buddha?Buddhas are wise; Buddhas are omniscient; Buddhas foresee the future.—Is Sakyamuni truly the Buddha?—I believe he is.And if he is the Buddha, is it right to wage a war against his people?—What shall I do?Oh, ye gods, teach me my duty!Oh, ye gods, may it not be my lot to fight for an unrighteous cause!Cursed be the sword that sheds innocent blood.

[Bimbisara's court at Rajagaha]

Present:King Bimbisara(Bb.),Visakha(V), andNagadeva(N).

V.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 graduallyassumed the government under your protection. Your mighty friendship would support me on the throne and you could rule through me.

Bb.That sounds acceptable, but in the meantime, I prepare for war.

V.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.

Bb.Nodding kindly toVisakha, then turning toNagadeva.

Is our kingdom in readiness?

N.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.

Bb.The time seems favorable; the risk is small, and the spoil will be great. Convene my generals in the assembly hall.

They bow low and pass out.Ambapali(Ap.) enters.

Ap.Are they gone, my Lord, and what did you decide?

Bb.I propose to go to war.

Ap.You are rightly called "the Warlike."

Bb.I want to round off my kingdom and expand my power northward until it reaches the Himalayas.

Ap.The gods will speed you and the blessings of the saints shall be upon your people.

Servant enters.

St.There is a holy man who wants to see your Highness. His name is Devadatta.

Bb.Show him in.

Servant exit.

Ap.Is he not one of the disciples of the Buddha?

Bb.I believe he is.

Ambapaliretires.Devadattaenters.

Ambapaliretires.

Devadattaenters.

Dd.Hail, great King! Protector of religion and victor of many battles!

Bb.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.

Dd.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.

Bb.Are you not a disciple of Gotama, who is called the Buddha?

Dd.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.

Bb.Holiness is a mighty thing.

Dd.Yea, and our vows will shield your government, your throne, your army and your people against any misfortune.

Bb.I shall send my treasurer to investigate and will do what is right.

Dd.Maharaja, be assured of my deepest gratitude.

Bows low, exit.

Ap.[re-enters, excited] My royal friend, do not trust that man [pointing toward the door whereDevadattawent out]. 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 isegotistic, 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.

Bb.[With an inquiring look] Why?

Ap.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.

Bb.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 honoredyou.

Ap.Allow me one question. Did the Buddha ever beg you to support his brotherhood?

Bb.No, he did not; but I will give him all the assistance he may need.

Ap.Did he ever offer you the support of his vows, or did he ever praise the efficacy of his holiness?

Bb.He never did.

Ap.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.

Bb.The Buddha's presence would be more auspicious than ten Devadattas.

Ap.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.

Bb.Your judgment is well grounded.

Ap.The Buddha alone possesses greatness, and the Buddha does not seek honor, but the people adore him.

Bb.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.

The servant enters.

St.Mighty King, the prime minister Nagadeva.

Bb.He is welcome. Fare thee well, sweet heart; affairs of state call me.

N.Mighty King, the generals are assembled. They hail thee as their war lord, and are anxious for laurels, for glory, for booty!

[Trumpets, Curtain.]

Living pictures accompanied by appropriate music.

1.Sending Out the Disciples.

The Buddha called his disciples together, and having ordained them, bade them spread the Gospel, with these words translated from the Buddhist Canon:

"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."

The Pali expressionkalyamo dhammais 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."

2.The Rich Youth.

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."

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.

3.A Child's Offering.

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."

[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.]

Present:Anatha Pindika(A); Servant (St.);Prince Jeta(J); later onKala Udayin(K) and theBuddha(B).A servant enters.

Present:Anatha Pindika(A); Servant (St.);Prince Jeta(J); later onKala Udayin(K) and theBuddha(B).

A servant enters.

St.His Highness the Prince Jeta.

A.Show him in.

Jetaenters. A. rises to meet him with bows.

You are most welcome, my Prince.

J.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.

A.Kindly tender my gratitude to your royal brother for his gracious message.

J.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?

A.Not yet. He will see them this morning.

J.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.

A.What do you mean?

J.I am not a religious man; I am too worldly, but him I would follow.

A.Why?

J.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.

A.He is more than a man; he is enlightenment incarnate.

A stream of blessings goes out from him.

J.He has grown into an international power, and kings do well not to ignore his influence.

A.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.

J.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.

A.He would never have gained this influence if he were not truly the Buddha.

J.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.

A.The country of the Sakyas is but small, and their independence will not last long; it is a mere questionof time.

J.But consider that the Buddha hails from Kapilavatthu. He is the son of Suddhodana, the Sakya raja.

A.Indeed he is and may I be permitted to inform him of the danger that threatens his father's house?

J.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.

Servant (St.) enters.

St.Here is a man with the name Kala Udayin, who has a message for the Blessed One.

A.Show him in.

J.I leave you now and hope that you will keep the Buddha as long as possible in Savatthi.

Exit.Kala Udayinenters and bows toAnatha Pindika.

Exit.

Kala Udayinenters and bows toAnatha Pindika.

A.You want to see the Blessed One? I will call him.

Anatha Pindikaexit.

K.[Alone] 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 speakof 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.

Buddhaaccompanied byAnatha Pindikacomes in. He is followed by two disciples. TheBuddhasits down on the seat on the platform, having on either hand one of his disciples.Anatha Pindikastands below with clasped hands.Kala Udayinsinks to his knees with clasped hands.

Kala Udayinsinks to his knees with clasped hands.

B.My friend, what brings you here?

K.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?

B.Tell me, my friend, how is my father? Is old age truly telling on him?

K.Not yet so visibly, but he worries much.

B.And how is Rahula? He is now seven years old and must be quite a boy.

K.He is, my Lord; and how he talks of his father. He knows everything you are doing.

B.Who tells him?

K.His mother does.

B.And tell me how the princess fares?

K.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.

TheBuddhanods and with a distant look sits a few moments in silence.

B.And she is a good mother?

K.There could be no better.

St.[announces] An embassy of the most potent King of Magadha, the great Bimbisara.

B.[Addressing himself to the servant] Let them come in, [turning to K.] Kala Udayin, bring my father greetings, and say that I shall come.

Kala Udayinexit.A number of men, the embassy of KingBimbisara, led byNagadeva, most gorgeously dressed, file in. They let themselves down on one knee, clasp their hands and rise again.

Kala Udayinexit.

A number of men, the embassy of KingBimbisara, led byNagadeva, most gorgeously dressed, file in. They let themselves down on one knee, clasp their hands and rise again.

N.Most gracious Lord, all-wise and blessed Buddha,Our noble sov'reign bids me tender youHis most respectful greetings, and he hopesThat you return and visit Rajagaha,For he is very anxious to be honoredBy your auspicious presence in his kingdom.B.My Lords, express to your most mighty KingThat the Tathagata can not acceptThis friendly invitation, for he willStart for his home, the country of the Sakyas,To see his aged father and his kin.If war or other ills befall his people,He wants to live, if need be, die with them.N.Lord Buddha, speak a word of truth to us,For I'm aware thou art omniscient.Our royal master wants to hear from thee.B.All bodily existence passeth byFor it is compound and will be dissolved;But there is Law; it is the Uncreate,It is th' Etern, which is without beginningAnd without end. That must our refuge be.He who relies on the Impermanent,And, being strong, attempts to crush the weak,Will soon break down. This is the law of deeds,For as we sow, such will our harvest be.Rely on Truth, the Uncreate, th' Etern,Be guided by the rule of Righteousness.This is my message to the King, your Lord,And may he be advised to rule his countryWith love of peace, with goodness, and with wisdom.My blessing be on him and on his people.

They kneel, clasp their hands, circumambulate theBuddhaand file out.Jetareturns in excitement.

They kneel, clasp their hands, circumambulate theBuddhaand file out.

Jetareturns in excitement.

J.The war is on! King Bimbisara's armyIs building bridges to attack the Sakyas.

[Curtain. Trumpet signals, military music.]

Living Pictures Accompanied by Appropriate Music.

1.King Bimbisara on the Royal Elephant.

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.

2.The Wanderer.

The Buddha was in the habit of wandering through the country from place to place.

The picture shows him with a staff in his right hand and a bowl in his left in an Indian landscape.

3.King Bimbisara in Camp.

Standing before the royal tent he addresses his generals.

[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.]

Near the right sideSuddhodanais seated withPajapatiandYasodhara.Rahulain the background (viz., in the garden) in the care of a nurse.

S.The time is troublesome, and it appears that war is imminent.

P.Oh do not fret;Visakha is a cunning diplomat:I hope he'll be successful, and he willPersuade King Bimbisara to keep peace.

S.I do hope too, but hope against conviction.

VisakhaandDevalaenter.

There come the Brahman and the gallant Captain.V.[Kneeling on one foot to the King] Hail Maharaja!D.Hail, my gracious King.S.Welcome my worthy messengers!

They kneel toPajapati.

P.Be welcome.S.Tell me at once, how did your mission speed?V.There is a subtle influence against youAt Bimbisara's court; there is a partyBound to have war, and they will have it too,Unless we meet them by diplomacy.Leave it to me, and I'll preserve the peace.S.Had not my son turned mendicant, how usefulCould he at present be! I need a general,A trusty man of youthful strength and courageTo take the helm and lead the ship of stateThrough storm and danger, for our foes are strong.V.Great Raja, I am privy to your grief,I know the hope you'd set upon Siddhattha.What brilliant gifts the boy inherited,From you, his royal father, and how he,Forgetful of his filial duty, left you,And his fair wife and child, to turn a beggar.S.All this is true, remind me not of it,'Tis a disgrace to our most royal house,And all the Rajas in the Indian land,Will point to us and mock the Sakya tribe.

Rahulacomes in with childlike joy and brings his mother a rose.

R.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.

Y.My darling!

S.[with a touch of anger] Yasodhara, I wish you would not speak to him too much of his father.

R.Why should mother not mention father? I love him and I should know all about him. I want to join the Buddha's brotherhood.

S.Do you love him more than your grandfather?

R.I love my grandfather too, I love mother, and you, dear grandmother [turning toPajapati]. 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?

Y.[Puts her hand on Rahula's mouth] Hush! I thank you for the rose, my child; now run away and bring another rose to grandfather, and one for your grandmother Pajapati.

R.Yes mother, and one I keep for father when he comes.

Runs off.

V.Your grandson needs a father, Maha Raja!And let me tender you my humble service.I see Yasodhara, the noble princess,Pine patiently away and spend in mourningHer life's best years of youth and happiness.She has been cruelly deserted, hasBeen widowed by Siddhattha for a whim.Give her to me in marriage, and I'll proveA better father than that runaway,A better father to your little grandson,A better husband to his widowed wife.S.You are at liberty to ask my daughter.V.Fair Princess, cease to mourn, and grant my suit.Thou shalt see better days than heretofore.Y.I pledged my troth to Gotama Siddhattha,And I shall never break my faith to him.V.Siddhattha is no more, he has turned monkAnd you are free, you are Siddhattha's widow.S.My daughter, do not think that I opposeVisakha's suit, for on the contraryI do support it, and I wish you wouldAccept him as a husband, for I needAlliance with a brave and trusty man.V.Princess Yasodhara, here is my hand,Do not refuse me.Y.Brahman, spare your words.V.The time will come when you will sore regret.O King, compel her to obey; make useOf your good right as master of this house,For I alone can save the Sakya state.P.O worthy Brahman, do not threaten us.V.Decide, O Maharaja; thou art Lord!Thy bidding must be done. Shall women rule,Or art thou master still in thine own home?S.I am master here; but not a tyrant;Among our people master means a leader.The Sakya yeomen justly pride themselvesOn their free institutions. I'm the firstAmong them, not an autocrat nor despot;I serve them as adviser, guide and father;Shall I who never would infringe uponThe right of any poorest peasant woman,Compel a princess of the royal houseTo marry 'gainst her will? No sir, not I.I wished the Princess to accept your suit,But I shall never say, She must be yours.V.King of the Sakyas, you forget yourself,I am a Brahman and of noble birth.I served you faithfully for many years,But now I quit your service, for I knowThat Bimbisara, King of Magadha,The mightiest of Indian rulers,Will welcome me as friend and counselor.

He bows to theKingandPajapati, and leaves. For a moment they are all silent.

S.I fear me that means war.

D.Indeed it does.

If you remember, King, Visakha saidThere was a subtle influence against youAt Bimbisara's court. It dawns on meThat he, Visakha, is the cause of it.I saw him whisper with a courtier, thenHe spoke in secret with a general,And with the King too he was closeted.The hypocrite has thrown away his mask,And since he spoke out boldly, I know nowThat he has been intriguing all the time.S.He thinks I hate my son, but I do not.I'm only angry, I am disappointed,Because he did not heed my dearest wish.I love him still and I invited himTo visit his old home and me, his father.I sent Udayin with a kindly greeting.Oh, I'd forgive him all, and e'en his flight,Had only he not turned a mendicant.It hurts my pride to see a Sakya prince,And mine own son, go round from house to houseWith bowl in hand to beg his daily food.

Rahulacomes in excited.

R.Grandfather, here is your rose, and grandma, here is yours. And oh! did you hear the news?

Y.What is it, boy? Why are you so excited?

P.Who told you any news?

R.The guards at the gate. They say that my father has come. All the people rush out of their houses andgreet him with clasped hands. They strew flowers on the road and hail him as the Buddha!

Y.[rises] Why, is it possible?

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