The Buddha Part 13

_B._ Herein thou errest, priest. Blood does not cleanse.

It washes not away the stain of sin; The slaughter of a victim heaps but guilt On 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 G.o.ddess. It is mine.

_GS._ Are you the steward of the G.o.ddess' property?

_SIHA steps close to the priest who retires step by step and finally hurries off the stage._

Come, shepherd, take the frightened lambkin up And 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 n.o.ble general, Siha.

_GS._ _Breaks the seal and reads to himself._

"The Sakyas are a stubborn little nation. Their inst.i.tutions 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 G.o.ds, teach me my duty!

Oh, ye G.o.ds, may it not be my lot to fight for an unrighteous cause!

Cursed be the sword that sheds innocent blood.

SECOND SCENE.

[Bimbisara's court at Rajagaha]

_Present: KING BIMBISARA (Bb.), VISAKHA (V), and NAGADEVA (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 gradually a.s.sumed 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 to VISAKHA, then turning to NAGADEVA._

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 a.s.sembly hall.

_They bow low and pa.s.s 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 G.o.ds 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.

_AMBAPALI retires._