my quest of truth in former lives,
And also now in this existence, thou
With voluntary sacrifice hast aided me,
Imagine not that thou a hindrance art
To me or to my work and holy mission.
Next to my sainted mother thou art blessed
Among the women of this world. Rejoice
And let grief pass from thy suffering soul.

_Y._ [_In a kneeling posture_] Grant me a boon, my Lord, a precious
boon.

_R._ Yea, father, grant the boon that mother wants.

_B._ Speak, Princess, and I listen to thy word.
I know thy heart, Yasodhara; I know
That naught but worthy thoughts dwell in thy mind.

_Y._ Grant me to help thee in thy noble mission.
I want to join the band of thy disciples.

_She pauses and the BUDDHA hesitates to answer._

I shall be happy if I do thy work.

_B._ Dost thou not know this boon is but a burden?

_Y._ The heavier it be, my Lord, the more I welcome it.

_R._ Oh grant the boon!

_B._ Not yet
Yasodhara, have women been admitted;
But I foresee the time will come.

_Y._ My Lord
The time is here if thou but grant the boon.

_The BUDDHA places his right hand in blessing upon
YASODHARA'S head._

_B._ So let it be, and so thy boon be granted;
I may not hinder thee if thou insistest.

_As PAJAPATI helps YASODHARA to rise, a third flourish of
trumpets is heard, this time near by and loud. DEVALA returns
in great excitement and addresses SUDDHODANA._

_D._ My noble liege, an embassy is coming
From Bimbisara, King of Magadha.
They are the kingdom's highest ministers,
And sullen do they look and their retainers.

_S._ 'Tis most unfortunate, but let them in.

_D._ There's more to be announced.

_S._ You look excited.

_D._ It is but the beginning of the end:
Our scouts are captured, one of them escaped.

_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!

_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