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FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
1.3.
with shaking head and constant gaze, he thought upon this misery of decay; what joy or pleasure can men take (he thought), 221
In that which soon must wither, stricken by the marks of age; affecting all without exception; though gifted now with youth and strength, yet not one but soon must change and pine away. 222
The eye beholding such signs as these before it, how can it not be oppressed by a desire to escape?? Bodhisattva then addressed his charioteer, 'Quickly turn your chariot and go back, 223
Ever thinking on this subject of old age approaching, what pleasures now can these gardens afford, the years of my life like the fast-flying wind; turn your chariot, and with speedy wheels take me to my palace.' 224
And so his heart keeping in the same sad tone, (he was) as one who returns to a place of entombment; unaffected by any engagement or employment, so he found no rest in anything within his home. 225
The king hearing of his son's sadness urged (his companions) to induce him again to go abroad, and forthwith incited his ministers and attendants to decorate the gardens even more than before. 226
The Deva then caused himself to appear as a sick man; struggling for life, he stood by the wayside, his body swollen and disfigured, sighing with deepdrawn groans, 227
His hands and knees contracted and sore with disease, his tears Aowing as he piteously muttered (his petition). The prince asked his charioteer, What sort of man, again, is this?' 228
How can a man not (desire) to remove it (i. e. old age) as a hateful thing?
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