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He hesitates.
S. Well, Devala?
D.He carries evil news.
S. [With great anxiety] By Issara! Speak, man! Don't hesitate.
Devala covers his eyes with his hands and sobs.
S. Tell me the worst. Tell me the worst at once.
D. O that I had no tongue to tell the tidings.
S. I will be brave, speak freely! Be a man![92]
In the meantime the Buddha together with the others has entered the main hall.
D. Our cause is lost. We are surrounded,
Three bridges have been built and General Siha
Stands ready with an overwhelming army
To crush us.
S.Once I had a son! But he
Alas! turned mendicant and fails me now!
In him no drop of warrior blood is left,
No spark of honor gloweth in his heart
And our ancestral pride goes down in shame.
B. Transient, my noble father, are all things.
All kingdoms finally must pass away,
But if thou tak'st thy refuge in the truth,
Thou wilt be free from all vicissitudes.
The kingdom of the truth alone endures.
S. [With indignation.] Siddhattha, spare thy monkish rant,
Far better than thy cowardly submission,
Far nobler and befitting it would be,
To draw the sword and die a hero's death.
The embassy in solemn procession files in as before at the Jetavana. The Buddha withdraws and is not noticed by the embassy. Prime Minister Nagadeva (N) addresses King Suddhodana.
N. Oh Maharaja, listen to our message!
The ruler of the mighty Magadha,
King Bimbisara, sends you kindly greetings.
He wants you to entreat the Blessed One,
The holy Buddha, who now stays with you,
Who, as he learneth, is your noble son,
To come to Rajagaha on a visit.
There have been rumors of intended war,
And armies are maneuvering nearby,
But be assured, our noble King means peace.
He would not draw the sword against your state,
Nor wage a war against the Buddha's father.
Suddhodana's eye searches for the Buddha who has been standing behind a column and now steps forward.
S. Oh noble son, oh blessed, highest Buddha,
Thou art indeed a King of Kings on earth!
He kneels down. All members of the embassy do the same.
No crown thou wear'st, no scepter's in thy hand,
Thou needest neither lance, nor sword nor shield,
And yet thou rulest, with mere word and thought,
Thou sway'st the destinies of all the world,
I did not know thy power and thy great worth;
But now I bow me down in humble faith,
And I take refuge in the truth thou preachest.
Henceforth I will devote myself to spread
The kingdom of good will and righteousness.
[Music Buddhist Doxology]
[Curtain]
