That is exactly what I think. I agree with you. Only, you are of
a serious disposition and take the matter to heart, while I think it
is great fun. What is the use of thinking so much. We are all like
bubbles: we float in the air, and then the bubble bursts and this life
is over. I am now a poor boy. I fear no change. In a future
incarnation I may be born as the son of a king, like you. And think
of it, after a few million years, this whole world, this big bulky
stupid institution, this home of so many villains, and a couple of
good ones like us two among them, the theater of rascalities, of
vanities, of follies, will be scattered to the winds, as if it had
never existed. Be merry, my Prince, so long as the comedy lasts.

DEVADATTA (_Dd._) _appears in the background.
His cheeks are sunken and his face is gloomy.
His eye has a fanatic expression._

_B._ Consider, it may prove a tragedy.

_K._ Let it be what it may be. To me it will be what I think it is. It
is a huge joke.

_B._ But who will laugh at it, my friend?

_K._ I will.

_B._ Kala, the time will come when thou wilt weep.

_K._ Well then? And if I weep I shall shed tears.

Tears are a sweet relief
In anguish pain and grief.
I'll make the best of all,
Whatever may befall.

_B._ Thy prattle seemeth foolish, but it hideth
A deep philosophy.

_K._ Why then, good Lord,
Why wilt thou not its merry lesson learn?

_B._ Good Kala listen, and thou'lt understand:
There is a difference between our aims:
Thou clingest to this world of transiency,
But I seek the Etern. Thou seest not
The misery of life, for thou art happy--
Happy at least at present, though the next
Moment may find thee writhing in lament.
I seek a place of refuge whence I can
Extend my hand to help those in distress.
I will attain the state of Buddhahood
To bring deliverance to all mankind.

_Dd._ Why do you waste your time, Siddhattha, with this frivolous lad?
What profit can there be in gossip such as you two carry on?

_K._ You always scold, you hollow-eyed sour face! You always moralize.
Even your good brother-in-law is too worldly for you.

_Dd._ I did not speak to you, I addressed myself to Siddhattha.

_B._ Udayin has a heart, a human heart,
And all my sympathy goes out to him.

_Dd._ If you intend to lead a religious life and go into homelessness,
you had better devote yourself to fasts and contemp