lives! Indeed
a most delightful spot and more pleasant than many a royal palace. And
how the people speak 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.

_BUDDHA accompanied by ANATHA PINDIKA comes in. He is
followed by two disciples. The BUDDHA sits down on the seat
on the platform, having on either hand one of his disciples.
ANATHA PINDIKA stands below with clasped hands._

_KALA UDAYIN sinks 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.

_The BUDDHA nods 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 UDAYIN exit._

_A number of men, the embassy of King BIMBISARA, led by
NAGADEVA, 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 you
His most respectful greetings, and he hopes
That you return and visit Rajagaha,