_GS._ At his side I fought with him in many a doubtful battle With all the odds against us, but his daring, Joined to a rare instinctive foresight By which he could antic.i.p.ate all dangers, Would win the day and ne'er was he defeated!

In this our latest war he took great risks, Might have been taken by his foes, and would Have lost his liberty, his throne, his life; But venturing much he won, and by exposing His own high person in the brunt of battle He stirred the courage of his followers To do great deeds of valor.

_MASTER OF CEREMONIES enters with a trumpeter._

_MC._ n.o.ble lords, Mis majesty, our royal lord, is coming To meet you here in private council.

_Trumpeter blows a signal._

_GS._ Hail the victorious, warlike Bimbisara!

_Both kneel as the king enters preceded and followed by a small body guard._

_Bb._ Be greeted n.o.ble lords.

_N._ We wish you joy and the continuance of your good fortune.

_Bb._ I have a matter to bespeak with you, Far-reaching weighty plans of great importance.

I wish to be alone with you.

_Turning to the captain of his body guards._

Captain, have this room guarded by your soldiers.

The gong shall call you when I need your service.

_The soldiers march out of the room._

Be seated, my good lords.

You helped me gain a wondrous victory Which proves I have the favor of the G.o.ds.

I probed your skill, your courage and your faith And found you both most able and most trusty.

Therefore you are to me much more than va.s.sals And servants of the state; you are my helpers, Indeed my friends and nearest to my heart.

A king needs friends who share his secret thoughts, Who stand by him in all vicissitudes, Who bear with him responsibilities, And above all, who frankly speak the truth.

I ask you, will you be such friends to me?

_GS._ I will with all my heart.

_N._ And I not less.

_Bb._ I, my dear friends, I promise you in turn That I shall not resent your words of truth If spoken in good faith with best intentions.

I may not always follow your advice, But you are free to say whate'er you please, Whate'er you may deem best for me to know, Whate'er will benefit the empire and my people.

Now listen what I have to say to you.

I will reveal to you my inmost heart: This is an age of greatest expectations; Riches acc.u.mulate in our cities, Commerce and trade are flourishing, and Our caravans exchange our native goods For gold and precious produce from abroad.

What India needs is unity of rule.

The valley of the holy Ganges should Be governed by one king, a king of kings.

There should no longer be a rivalry, A clash of interests between the states, And all the princes should obey the rule Of the one man who guides and guards the whole.

This therefore is my plan: you Nagadeva Must gain the favor of our neighbor kings, So as to make them recognize our sway.

If voluntarily they will submit, They shall be welcome as our worthy va.s.sals.

If they resist (_turning to Siha_) my gallant general You must reduce them to subjection.

A treaty with the rajas in the east, In southern and in northern Kosala, Speedeth my plans, the Sakyas only Defy our sovereign will, and keep aloof.

If they yield not, their power must be broken!

There is a task for you and for my army.

_N._ Permit, my n.o.ble king, that I advise you.

I know the Sakya minister of state, And he is willing to betray his master.

The Sakya prince, the only son and heir, Siddhattha Gotama he's called by name, Went into homelessness and has turned monk, Leaving behind his wife and a small son.

The minister aspireth to the throne, And if we help him in his plans, he will Acknowledge you as sovereign over him.

And that will save your army blood and trouble.

_Bb._ What is his name.

_N._ Visakha, n.o.ble King.

_Bb._ I wish to see him. Let him visit you And as by accident I want to meet him.

_GS._ Allow me, mighty King, a word of warning.

_Bb._ Speak freely.

_GS._

_With unconcealed indignation, almost entreatingly._

Do not listen to a traitor.

Send me with all the army of the kingdom, Bid me lead captive all the Sakyas; do it In open fight but not by treachery.

My King, avoid alliance with Visakha, His very breath contaminates. He lowers Ourselves to his low level.

_Bb._ Thank you Siha.

I will be slow. [_Pondering_] But it is too important!

_Argues with himself._

May I not listen to a traitor's words, Nor hear him,--profit by his information?

_GS._ Oh do it not!

_Bb._ Siha, thou art a soldier.

I honor thee, thou speakest like a soldier, But think how much diplomacy will help, How many lives and property it saves.

Without the brutal means of war it will Better accomplish all our ends; it spares The enemy as well. A prosperous country Will serve me better than a city sacked And villages destroyed by fire.

_GS._ Pardon, my liege, I do not trust a traitor.

_Bb._ I will be on my guard, but I shall see him, 'T shall be by way of reconnoitering.

You in the meantime keep the army ready, For one way or another I must conquer The Sakya king and make him do my bidding.

_The King rises indicating that his two counselors are dismissed. They rise also._

The world is growing wider every day And our souls broaden with the general progress.

A new era dawns upon us. Let us all Help to mature the fruitage of the times.