96 CEYLON BRANCH 



it be proper to give food, give it; but do not annoy me. Eat, 

 son Rattapala, the food is ready. He then served Rattapala 

 with his own hands, helping him to the most choice cates and 

 viands, pressing him to take more. Then Rattapala having 

 eaten, and withdrawn his hand from the bowl, as he stood spake 

 the following stanzas : 



Behold a painted statue, and wounded body, propped up, 

 diseased, yet much thought of : Certainly to no one is there 

 continuance of it. 



Behold a painted figure, with jewels and bracelets, sur- 

 rounded with bones and skin, and made beautiful with costly 

 adornings. 



Red tinged feet, a mouth cleansed with odorous powders, 

 may satisfy the folly of the unwise, but not the seeker of Mr- 

 wan a. 



Hair divided into eight locks, eyes tinged with antimony, 

 may satisfy the folly of the unwise, but not the seeker of 

 Nirwana. 



Tinged with antimony, the painted and adorned yet putrid 

 carcase may satisfy the folly of the unwise, but not the seeker 

 of Nirwana. 



* As the deer, having eaten, leaves the meadow without 

 touching the snares and nets placed by the hunter, while those 

 entangled weep, so I depart. 



When Rattapala standing had spoken these verses he 

 returned to the park of King Korawya, and sat at the root of 

 a tree to pass the day. 



At that time King Korawya called his park keeper and 

 directed him to clear the park, as he wished to visit it. The 

 park-keeper accordingly went, and while clearing the park 

 saw the venerable Rattapala seated under a tree spending the 

 day. Upon seeing him he went to the King and said, Your 



