________________
IV, 19. INTERVIEW BETWEEN FATHER AND SON. 221
drink, when suddenly the spring dries up and disappears. Thus, now I see my son, his well-known features as of old; 1545
But how estranged his heart! and how his manner high and lifted up! There are no grateful outflowings of soul, his feelings seem unwilling to express themselves; cold and vacant (there he sits); and like a thirsty man before a dried-up fountain (so am I).' 1546
Still distant thus (they sat), with crowding thoughts rushing through the mind, their eyes full met, but no responding joy; each looking at the other, seemed as one who thinking of a distant friend, gazes by accident upon his pictured form! 1547
That you' (the king reflected) 'who of right might rule the world, even as that Mândhâtri raga, should now go begging here and there your food! what joy or charm has such a life as this ? 1548
Composed and firm as Sumerus, with marks of beauty bright as the sunlight, with dignity of step like the ox king, fearless as any lion, 1549
'And yet receiving not the tribute of the world, but begging food sufficient for your body's nourishment!' Buddha, knowing his father's mind, still kept to his own filial purpose. 1550
And then to open out his : mind, and moved with 1 This translation is doubtful; there is some question as to the correct reading.
Buddha is often called the golden mountain,' and in this particular, as in many others, there is in Buddhism a marked resemblance with traditions known among primitive races; Bel, for example, is called 'the great mountain.'
* That is, as I understand it, to move his father's mind. It may be understood, however, in the sense of carrying out his own purpose.
Digitized by Google
