I restrain myself,
Intent on my own good.
12. The Patient Woman.
Patient is as patient does.
Majjhima i. 125-126.
On a certain occasion the Exalted One addressed the monks as follows: “Monks, put away evil; devote yourselves to good works: so shall you obtain increase, growth, development, in this Doctrine and Discipline.”
In olden times, in this very city of Sāvatthi, lived a house-mistress named Vedehikā. Of Mistress Vedehikā prevailed the following excellent reputation: “Gentle is Mistress Vedehikā, meek is Mistress Vedehikā, tranquil is Mistress Vedehikā.” And Mistress Vedehikā had a servant named Blackie who was capable and industrious and performed her duties well.
Now to Servant Blackie occurred the following thought: “Of my lady mistress prevails the following excellent reputation: ‘Gentle is Mistress Vedehikā, meek is Mistress Vedehikā, tranquil is Mistress Vedehikā.’ But has her ladyship, in point of fact, an inward temper which she does not reveal, or has she not? Or is it solely because I have performed these duties well that her ladyship does not reveal an inward temper which, in point of fact, she does possess;—not because she does not possess it? Suppose I were to test her ladyship!”
Accordingly Servant Blackie got up late in the day. And Mistress Vedehikā said this to Servant Blackie: “See here, Blackie!” “What is it, my lady?” “Why did you get up so late?” “For no reason at all, my lady.” “For no reason at all, worthless servant, you got up so late!” And Mistress Vedehikā frowned in anger and displeasure.
Then to Servant Blackie occurred the following thought: “Her ladyship does, in point of fact, possess an inward temper which she does not reveal;—it is not because she does not possess it. It is solely because I have performed these duties well that her ladyship does not reveal an inward temper which, in point of fact, she does possess;—it is not because she does not possess it. Suppose I were to test her ladyship further!”