"When the Buddha had told the story, he, as Buddha, uttered the verse —
2. The men of firm resolve dug on into the sand,
Till in the very road they found whereof to drink.
And so the wise, strong by continuing effort,
Finds — if he weary not — Rest for his heart!
When he had thus discoursed, he declared the Four Truths. And when he had concluded, the despairing priest was established in the highest Fruit, in Arahatship (which is Nirvāna).
After the Teacher had told the two stories, he formed the connexion, and summed up the Jātaka, by saying, in conclusion, "The page who at that time despaired not, but broke the stone, and gave water to the multitude, was this brother without perseverance: the other men were the attendants on the Buddha; and the caravan leader was I myself."
END OF THE STORY OF THE SANDY ROAD.
