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1, 3.
DISGUST AT SORROW.
Replying he said, “This is a sick man. The four elements all confused and disordered, worn and feeble, with no remaining strength, bent down with weakness, looking to his fellow-men for help.' 229
The prince hearing the words thus spoken, immediately became sad and depressed in heart, and asked, 'Is this the only man afflicted thus, or are others liable to the same (calamity)?' 230
In reply he said, 'Through all the world, men are subject to the same condition; those who have bodies must endure affliction, the poor and ignorant, as well as the rich and great.' 231
The prince, when these words met his ears, was oppressed with anxious thought and grief; his body and his mind were moved throughout, just as the moon upon the ruffled tide. 232
Placed thus in the great furnace of affliction, say! what rest or quiet can there be! Alas! that worldly men, (blinded by) ignorance and oppressed with dark delusion, 233
'Though the robber sickness may appear at any time, yet live with blithe and joyous hearts !' On this, turning his chariot back again, he grieved to think upon the pain of sickness. 234
As a man beaten and wounded sore, with body weakened, leans upon his staff, so dwelt he in the seclusion of his palace, lone-seeking, hating worldly pleasures. 235
The king hearing once more of his son's return, asked anxiously the reason why, and in reply was told — he saw the pain of sickness.' The king in fear like one beside himself, 236
Roundly blamed the keepers of the way; his heart constrained, his lips spoke not; again he
D2
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