106. The Bodhisatta – The Chaplain
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born into the chaplain’s family, and on his father’s death succeeded to the chaplaincy.
The king promised to grant whatever boon his queen should ask him, and she said, “The boon I ask is an easy one; you must not look on any other woman with eyes of love.” At first he refused, but, wearied by her unceasing importunity, was obliged to give way at last. And from that day onwards he never cast a glance of love at any one of his sixteen thousand wives.
105. The Bodhisatta – The Acrobat
Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born into an acrobat’s family. When he grew up, he was a very wise and clever fellow. From another acrobat he learned the javelin dance, and with his master used to travel about exhibiting his skill. Now this master of his knew the four javelin dance but not the five; but one day when performing in a village, he, being in liquor, had five javelins set up in a row and gave out that he would dance through the lot.
104. The Bodhisatta – Refused To Become Chaplain
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born to chaplain on the same day as the king’s son. And when the king asked his ministers if any child had been born on the same day as his son, they said, “Yes! Sir! a son of your family priest.” So the king had him brought and given into the charge of nurses to be carefully tended together with the young prince, and they both had the same ornaments to wear and had exactly the same things to eat and drink. And when they were grown up, they went together to Takkasila and as soon as they had attained proficiency in all the sciences they returned home.
103. The Bodhisatta – Prince of Benares
Once upon a time Brahmadatta ruled Benares. The king, having gone in great state to his pleasaunce, was roaming about looking for fruits and flowers. Then he came across a woman who was merrily singing away as she picked up sticks in the grove. Falling in love at first sight, the king became intimate with her, and the Bodhisatta, was conceived then and there. Feeling heavy within the woman knew that she would became a mother, and told the king so. He gave her the signet-ring from his finger and dismissed her with these words:- “If it be a girl, spend this ring on her nurture; but if it be a boy, bring ring and child to me.”
