12 JOURNAL R. A. S. (CEYLON). [VoL. II., PART II, 



In half a month, on the Up6satha of the full 15th day of the 

 moon } I mounted my elephant Pandara, and went forth to give 

 alms. 



Brahmins from Kalinga came to me and requested me to give 

 them Pandara, my valuable state elephant. 



They said : u Prom want of rain there is a great famine in 

 our land ; give us your large elephant, your excellent elephant 

 altogether white." 



I thought, c My mind delights in almsgiving; with an unshaken 

 determination I will give what these Brahmins ask, I will hide 

 nothing.' 



When these supplicants approached me, it not being proper 

 that I should repulse them, or break my determination to 

 bestow alms, I gave them my large elephant. 



Taking the elephant by the trunk, I poured water from a 

 golden chalice upon the hands of the Brahmins, and gave them 

 the elephant. 



When I had thus given the excellent and perfectly white 

 elephant, the earth, mount Meru, and the trees of the forest 

 shook. 



The inhabitants of Siwi being displeased at my giving the 

 elephant, assembled together and banished me from their land, 

 saying, " Go to the Wanka mountain." 



Being thus driven away by them, I still remained firm and 

 unshaken, and begged permission to be allowed once more to 

 give alms. 



The inhabitants of Siwi granted my one request, and I 

 accordingly published my intention by beat of drum, and gave 

 excellent alms. 



Although the fear-inspiring sound ascended that I was 

 banished on account of excessive almsgiving, still I gave alms. 



Having bestowed the chief gifts, as elephants, horses, chariots, 

 male and female slaves, oxen and wealth, I departed from the 

 city. 



