Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta ruled in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born as a brahmin’s son. He came of age, and received his education at Takkasila; then on returning he became a famous teacher.

Now there was a Brahmin who had four daughters. These four were wooed by four persons. The Brahmin could not decide to whom to give them. He thought, “I will enquire of the teacher and I shall give them accordigly.” So he came to the teacher and asked:

“One is good, and one is noble; one has beauty, one has years.

Answer me this question, Brahmin; of the four, which best appears?”

Hearing this, the teacher replied, “Even though there is beauty and the like qualities, a man is to be despised if he fail in virtue. There fore the former is not the measure of a man; those that I like are the virtuous.” And in explanation of this matter, he repeated:-

“Good is beauty to the aged show respect, for this is right

Good is noble birth; but virtue virtue, that is my delight.”

When the Brahmin heard this, he gave all his daughters to the virtuous wooer.