On a time, while Brahmadatta was king in Benares, the Bodhisatta was the son of the king’s court. On coming of age he became the king’s adviser in things temporal and spiritual. The king was afraid that his son may kill him and take the throne. He banished him. Taking his wife, the son departed from that city, and came to a village of Kasi, where he lived. On hearing the news of king’s death, prince was returning to Benares. He thought, “I may receive the kingdom which is my birthright.” On his way one gave him a mess of pottage, saying, “Eat, and give to your wife also.” But he gave her nothing, and ate it all himself. She thought, “My husband is a cruel!” and she was full of sorrow.

When he came to Benares, and received his kingdom, he made her the queen consort; but thinking “A little is enough for her,” he showed her no other consideration or honour.

The Bodhisatta thought, “This queen serves the king well, and loves him; but the king does not care for her. I will make him show her respect and honour.”

So The Bodhisatta came to the queen and asked, “Lady! how can we serve you? You have not given the old king’s piece of cloth or a dish of rice?”

The Queen answered, “Dear sir! I never receive anything myself; what shall I give to you? The king gives me nothing at all; as he was going along the road he received a bowl of rice, and never gave me a bit, he ate it all himself.”

The Bodhisatta asked, “Well, madam, will you be able to say this in the king’s presence?”

“Yes,” she replied.

The Bodhisatta told, “Very well then! To day, when I stand before the king, when I ask my questions, do you give the same answer; this very day I will make your goodness known.” So the Bodhisatta went to the court where King sit in the throne. And she too went and stood near the king.

Then the Bodhisatta said, “Madam! you are very cruel. Will you not to give a piece of cloth or a dish of food of the former king?” And she answered, “Good sir! I myself receive nothing from the king; what can I give to you?”

The Bodhisatta asked, “Are you not the queen consort?”

The Queen said, “Good sir! What is the use of mere name queen when no respect is paid? What will the king give me now? When he received a dish of rice on the road, he gave me nothing, but ate it all himself.” And the Bodhisatta asked him, “Is it so, O king?” And the king accepted. When the Bodhisatta saw that the king accepted, The Bodhisatta said, “Then lady! Why live here with the king after he has become unkindly? In the world, union without love is painful. While you dwell here, loveless union with the king will bring you sorrow. When these folks show no honour, then you should go elsewhere; they that dwell in the world are many.”

Hearing this, the king gave his queen all honour; and from that time forward they lived together in friendship and harmony.