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LALITA-VISTARA. the qualities of his mother, and desires to acquire other merits. Isball therefore cause to be prepared As'oka bouquetso wbich the Prince many offer to all the maidens, and on whomsoever be will cast his eyes, her I shall bestow on hien."
Now, kiny S'uddhodana caused to be inade a great number of As'oka bouqnets decorated with gold, silver, lapislazuli, and many other kinds of jewels. Having got them ready, he proclaimed by the ringing of bells all over the city of Kapilavastu that on the seventh day the Prince will hold a reception, and presort Ay'oka bouquets to all the maidens of the town, and all the maidens should, therefore, attend the reception hall.
Now, Bhikshus, on the seventh day the Bodhisattva repaired to the receptiori hall, and took his seat on a throne. The king had placed spies who, unseen, watched on what maiden the tyes of the Price would rest..
All the madeus of Kupilavastu came to the reception ball of the Bodhisattva in order to have his andience, and receive the As'oka bouquets.
The Prince banded the Ay'oka bouquets to his guests, who, unablo to bear the refulgence of the Prince, received the presents and quickly retired. Gopá, the daughter of Dandapáội, the S'ákya, now came to the reception, attended and beserved ly her maids, took her place on a side, and watched the Prince with antwinkling eyes. When all the bouquets had been given away, she advanced before the Prince, and said with a smiling face, "what harm have 1 done, Prince, that you should deny me the usual courtesy ?”
The Prince replie:1,"N, I have not been wanting in courtesy, but you wero the last to coinc." Saying this, he took off froin his finger a ring worth many hundred thousands,12 and offered it to her.
She remarked, “Am I, Prince, worthy of this from You?"
The Prince responded, "Pray, accept all these ornaments of mine."
. . . Sho rejoined, "No, we shall not disadora the Prince, for we will disadoru Mára," Saying this slie retired. .
