the capital. In this disposition of mind he perceived that he had already returned to his palace. His emotion increased still by this, and considering that there is no other refuge but Righteousness, since it is unconcerned with sensual pleasures, he made up his mind to embrace the state of a virtuous life. At the first opportunity he visited the king, his father, and with folded hands asked leave to set out for the penance-forest.
15. 'By taking the vow of world-renunciation I wish to bring about the good of my Self, and I want your leave which I shall hold for a favour and a guidance to this (goal).'
16. On hearing this request of his well-beloved son, the king, as if he were an elephant wounded by an empoisoned arrow or a deep sea shaken by the wind, was seized with shivering, for his heart was sore through grief.
17. And desiring to withhold him, he embraced him affectionately, and in a faltering voice obstructed by his tears spoke: 'My son, why have you made up your mind to leave us so suddenly ?
18. 'Who is that man who, being a cause of displeasure to you, causes his own ruin, rousing in this manner Death (against himself)? Say, whose relations have to wet their faces with tears of sorrow ?
19. 'Or do you perhaps apprehend, or have you heard of, any improper act of mine ? Then, tell it, that I may put an end to it. But I myself do not perceive anything of the kind.'
The Bodhisattva spoke:
20. 'What improper act may be found in you, being thus intent to show me your affection ? And who would be capable of assailing me with grief?'
'But why then do you want to leave us ?' replied the king with tears. Then the Great Being answered: 'Because of the peril of death. Do but consider, Your Majesty.
21. 'From the very night when a man obtains his residence in the maternal womb, he moves towards
