en 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.

_AMBAPALI retires._

_DEVADATTA enters._

_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