But the Prince, the words almost dying on his lips, said trembling.
“What is old age? Was this unhappy one born so, or has it fallen as a judgment from Heaven?”
And again the crowd sighed like the first stirring of winter winds and Channa, face hidden, replied:
“Prince, he was not so born, nor is it the Gods’ anger, but this is the common lot and to every man born on earth it comes nor can it be escaped. This ruin of a man was once a child at his mother’s breast, and then a boy filled with laughter and sportive gaiety, a joy to see and hear. Later, a youth, beautiful, amorous and brave, such as attended on bliss, and in enjoyment of the Five Pleasures. But old age, dogging the steps of men as a hound with fell teeth, has dragged him down at last and had its will of him, and he lives a life of pain and men avoid him and women pass him by.”
And some women in the crowd wept aloud, and the air was heavy with sighing and the old man moaned and muttered with toothless jaws.
But the Prince, still unbelieving and trembling said:
“And will this doom come upon my great father?
“Noble sir, yes.”
“And upon the beauty of—my ladies?”
“Even so.”