Book Title: Lalit Vistara
Author(s): Rajendralala Mitra
Publisher: Asiatic Society

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Page 273
________________ CHAPTRIL XV. "«Your desire for the opancipation of the world is worthy of encouragemont, as it will be beneficial. May your wishe bo fulfilled.'»l (11) Now, Bhikshus, the Bodhisattva, returning to his palavo, sat on his couch. None could know anything of his going and coming. Now, Bhikshus, when the night had endemi, king S'uddhadana assenabled the Sákyas, and, veluting all the facts, askod thom: “The Prince is suro to depart. Wiat should we do?" The S'ákyas said, "Lord, we shall protect hiin." “ How?" The Makyas said, “We are a lost of Sikyas, and he is alone. What power has he to defeat us by furou?" Thereupon live hundred scions of the Sakya race, well-armed, highly proficient, well tanght in the use of the arrow and other arms, and of nighty power in gymnasties, were, by orilor of the king, posted at the Eastern gut of the town for the protection of the Bodleisativa. Euch of teese scions har under him live chariots and a huuded retainers, and each charwyl hal live lighting men and a hundred followers, and these were justed for the protoction of the Prince. Siinilar bodies of guards were placed at the Southern, Western and the Northern gates (the detaily are reprouted in the text). Elderly S'&kyns, both male and femule, placod themrelves at every square, ut overy cross-roal and highway, to protect the Prince. King S'uddhodana, attended by a rotinne of five hundred chiefs mounted on horseback or on elephants, kopt watch all night at the gate of his own place. “ The Gautama lady Maháprajápatí sent for her attendants (and ordered them), 'Do ye place bright lights at the door, and set up beacon lights bright as the mani jewel oftalls;" lang up strings of liglts and make this house refulgent. (1) « Engage yourselves in music; keep yourselves awake without winking all pight; and watch the Prince, so that he may not depart without any one knowing it. (2) * Attired in mail, bolding quivers, and armed with sworda belis, arrows, iron spears, irou clubs, let overy ono exert for the protection of my dear son. (3)

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