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CITAPTER XII.
208 Now the spies repaired to the king and said, "Sire, the eyes of the Prince fell on Gopá, a Sakya maiden, daughter of Dandapáņi, and he had a short conversation with her.”
On hearing this the king sent the priest to Dandapáni with the message that he may bestow his daughter on the Prince.
Dandapáni said, “The noble Prince is thriving in his homo. But we have a family custom not to give our daughtor on any who is not an expert in art. We always select those who aro experts in ant. The Prince is not so), mor i: le prolicieut in the use of sword-, 'hows, klephant driving, and wrestling. Inhall give my daughter to one who is proficient in nrt. Please, report this tu the king."
The kiog reflected, “Now, twice bus this reproach been oast ou mc. When I said, why don't the Saky ponths come and pay their respects to the Prince, then I was told, 'why should we pay our respects to the Prince;' and now again. What shoall I do about this?" Thinking this, he sut still in sorrow.
The Bodhisattva heard the news, and then, coming to the king, thus addressed him, “Why are you, Sire, in this sorrowful mood?"
The king said, "Enough, it concurns yon, any son."
The Priuce said, “Sire, it is meet that you should relate the particulars to me.” When the Princu had thrice said this, king S'uddbona reluter !o him all the partienlars.
Jlearing them the Bodhisattva said, “Sire, is there any youth in this city, who can rival mo in displaying art accomplishments ?"
The king smiled and said, “Are you able, my son, to display any art accoinplisbinents ?
The Prince replied, “ Yos, Sire, I am able Do you invite all persons, experts in art, in whose presence I may display my accomplishmente."
The king, thereupon, caused a proclamation to be published by the ringing of bells in the town of Kapilavastu, to the effect that on the seventh day the Prince will display his art accomplisbments, and all experts should assemble on the occusiou to behold them,
