ddha appeals to common sense, and
therefore I say, he is a wonderful man.

_A._ He is more than a man; he is enlightenment incarnate.

A stream of blessings goes out from him.

_J._ He has grown into an international power, and kings do well not
to ignore his influence.

_A._ I think so myself, and I am so glad that his influence is always
for good, never for evil, and his ways are so marvelously gentle.

_J._ Indeed that is a blessing. If he were not so absolutely
indifferent to his own affairs he might become positively dangerous.
His lay disciples count in thousands of thousands. The farmers in the
country, the merchants in the towns, the lawyers, the artisans, and
even the soldiers believe in him. Lately General Siha became a lay
member of the Buddha's brotherhood, and many other prominent officers
followed his example.

_A._ He would never have gained this influence if he were not truly
the Buddha.

_J._ I want to tell you that a war is threatening, but please do not
speak of it, it is a deep secret. A spy in the secret service of my
royal brother has found out that King Bimbisara intends to fall upon
the Sakyas and deprive them of their independence. The Brahman
Visakha, minister of state, has turned traitor and promises to deliver
his country into the hands of King Bimbisara on the condition that he
be made Raja in Suddhodana's place.

_A._ The country of the Sakyas is but small, and their independence
will not last long; it is a mere question of time.

_J._ But consider that the Buddha hails from Kapilavatthu. He is the
son of Suddhodana, the Sakya raja.

_A._ Indeed he is and may I be permitted to inform him of the danger
that threatens his father's house?

_J._ I give you full liberty, for he will use discretion and not
betray his informant. I deem Bimbisara's plan dangerous to himself. A
war with the Sakyas may cost Bimbisara his throne, for the people of
Rajagaha believe in the Buddha, and I learn that even now the war
rumors have made them restless.

_Servant (St.) enters._

_St._ Here is a man with the name Kala Udayin, who has a message for
the Blessed One.

_A._ Show him in.

_J._ I leave you now and hope that you will keep the Buddha as long as
possible in Savatthi.

_Exit._

_KALA UDAYIN enters and bows to ANATHA PINDIKA._

_A._ You want to see the Blessed One? I will call him.

_ANATHA PINDIKA exit._

_K._ [_Alone_] This is the place where Prince Siddhattha