CEYLON BRANCH— ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. 119 



the same desert in safety is hidden from us, but to you it is 

 known. Be pleased Lord, as with the splendor of the full moon, 

 to display this to us. 



Budha replied, Grahapati, I have during countless ages tra- 

 versed the ten paths which lead to the be coming a Budha, that 

 I might resolve the doubts of the world, and have attained to 

 the perfect knowledge of all things: attentively, therefore, bend 

 down your ears and hear. Having thus excited the attention 

 of the nobleman, he, as the full moon in its splendor bursting 

 forth from the womb of the dark cloud, declared that which was 

 hidden in the former states of existence. 



There was formerly in Baranes (Benares) a King of Kasi 

 named Brahmadatta. Bodisat was at that time born of parents 

 who were engaged in foreign trade, and coming of age he tra- 

 velled with a caravan of 500 waggons from east to west, and 

 from west to east. There was also at Benares another merchant 

 engaged in the same trade, but who was dull, silly, and unskil- 

 ful in expedients. Bodisat having collected very valuable mer- 

 chandise in Benares, laded 500 waggons and prepared for his 

 journey. The unwise merchant, also, had filled 500 waggons 

 with goods, and was prepared to go to the same mart. Bodisat 

 thought, If this unwise merchant go with me the road will not 

 be sufficient for 1000 waggons : either he or I should go first. 

 He mentioned his views to the other, and said, we cannot go 

 together, will you go first or last ? The other merchant thought, 

 I shall derive great advantage from going the first : the road 

 will not be cut up, the bullocks will have green provender, and 

 the men will have a supply of fruits and vegetables ; there will 

 also be a plentiful supply of water, and I shall sell the goods 

 at my own price: he therefore said, Friend, I will go first, 

 Bodisat saw many advantages connected with going the last, 

 and thought, Those who go first will repair the bad parts of 

 the road upon which I shall travel : the old rank grass will 

 have been eaten by the cattle of the first caravan, while my 



