The Buddha Part 19

_B._ Yasodhara, I bring thee happy tidings, Deliverance is found, let go thy grief.

_YASODHARA looking up to BUDDHA with deep emotion._

_Y._ Oh Lord, how did I long for your return, But in your eyes I have become as naught.

_B._ My faithful helpmate and my former wife, Thou hast been dear to me, dear art thou still, But truth is dearer, and to truth I cling, While on my quest of truth in former lives, And also now in this existence, thou With voluntary sacrifice hast aided me, Imagine not that thou a hindrance art To me or to my work and holy mission.

Next to my sainted mother thou art blessed Among the women of this world. Rejoice And let grief pa.s.s from thy suffering soul.

_Y._ [_In a kneeling posture_] Grant me a boon, my Lord, a precious boon.

_R._ Yea, father, grant the boon that mother wants.

_B._ Speak, Princess, and I listen to thy word.

I know thy heart, Yasodhara; I know That naught but worthy thoughts dwell in thy mind.

_Y._ Grant me to help thee in thy n.o.ble mission.

I want to join the band of thy disciples.

_She pauses and the BUDDHA hesitates to answer._

I shall be happy if I do thy work.

_B._ Dost thou not know this boon is but a burden?

_Y._ The heavier it be, my Lord, the more I welcome it.

_R._ Oh grant the boon!

_B._ Not yet Yasodhara, have women been admitted; But I foresee the time will come.

_Y._ My Lord The time is here if thou but grant the boon.

_The BUDDHA places his right hand in blessing upon YASODHARA'S head._

_B._ So let it be, and so thy boon be granted; I may not hinder thee if thou insistest.

_As PAj.a.pATI helps YASODHARA to rise, a third flourish of trumpets is heard, this time near by and loud. DEVALA returns in great excitement and addresses SUDDHODANA._

_D._ My n.o.ble liege, an emba.s.sy is coming From Bimbisara, King of Magadha.

They are the kingdom's highest ministers, And sullen do they look and their retainers.

_S._ 'Tis most unfortunate, but let them in.

_D._ There's more to be announced.

_S._ You look excited.

_D._ It is but the beginning of the end: Our scouts are captured, one of them escaped.

_He hesitates._

_S._ Well, Devala?

_D._ He carries evil news.

_S._ [_With great anxiety_] By Issara! Speak, man! Don't hesitate.

_DEVALA covers his eyes with his hands and sobs._

_S._ Tell me the worst. Tell me the worst at once.

_D._ O that I had no tongue to tell the tidings.

_S._ I will be brave, speak freely! Be a man!

_In the meantime the BUDDHA together with the others has entered the main hall._

_D._ Our cause is lost. We are surrounded, Three bridges have been built and General Siha Stands ready with an overwhelming army To crush us.

_S._ Once I had a son! But he Alas! turned mendicant and fails me now!

In him no drop of warrior blood is left, No spark of honor gloweth in his heart And our ancestral pride goes down in shame.

_B._ Transient, my n.o.ble father, are all things.

All kingdoms finally must pa.s.s away, But if thou tak'st thy refuge in the truth, Thou wilt be free from all vicissitudes.

The kingdom of the truth alone endures.

_S._ [_With indignation._] Siddhattha, spare thy monkish rant, Far better than thy cowardly submission, Far n.o.bler and befitting it would be, To draw the sword and die a hero's death.

_The emba.s.sy in solemn procession files in as before at the Jetavana. The BUDDHA withdraws and is not noticed by the emba.s.sy. Prime Minister NAGADEVA (N) addresses King SUDDHODANA._

_N._ Oh Maharaja, listen to our message!

The ruler of the mighty Magadha, King Bimbisara, sends you kindly greetings.

He wants you to entreat the Blessed One, The holy Buddha, who now stays with you, Who, as he learneth, is your n.o.ble son, To come to Rajagaha on a visit.

There have been rumors of intended war, And armies are maneuvering nearby, But be a.s.sured, our n.o.ble King means peace.

He would not draw the sword against your state, Nor wage a war against the Buddha's father.

_SUDDHODANA'S eye searches for the BUDDHA who has been standing behind a column and now steps forward._

_S._ Oh n.o.ble son, oh blessed, highest Buddha, Thou art indeed a King of Kings on earth!

_He kneels down. All members of the emba.s.sy do the same._

No crown thou wear'st, no scepter's in thy hand, Thou needest neither lance, nor sword nor shield, And yet thou rulest, with mere word and thought, Thou sway'st the destinies of all the world, I did not know thy power and thy great worth; But now I bow me down in humble faith, And I take refuge in the truth thou preachest.

Henceforth I will devote myself to spread The kingdom of good will and righteousness.

[Music Buddhist Doxology]