“I have learned what you have done, and I have overtaken you with great haste.”
“What is your wish?”
“I want to come with you. I know that you have restored your friend from apathy to life. No power is so great as that. I have riches in abundance. All that I have is at your service; teach me your power.”
Now in the valley riches meant abundance of pleasant things. At the time the student was bearing the constant pain which he took of the child’s breathing, and the pain also of his friend’s illness. He felt that before beginning to take pleasure—which was the meaning of having pleasant things—it would be necessary to give up the power which he was exercising, so he said to the youth somewhat harshly:
“You cannot compare riches and that which I do, nor can you exchange the one for the other. First give up all your riches, then you can begin to learn what I do.”
The youth turned back, but once again spoke, saying:
“I will give up a great part of my riches if you will teach me.”
“If you want to keep any, however small a portion, you cannot do what I do.”
Then the youth with all his attendants passed away.