An officer accompanied by a trumpeter enters. A third trumpet call on the stage. The officer delivers a letter.
Officer. A dispatch from his majesty Bimbisara to his faithful and most noble general, Siha.
GS. Breaks the seal and reads to himself.
"The Sakyas are a stubborn little nation. Their institutions are free; their laws differ from those of the other surrounding states. These people are a source of discontent and revolution, and are a sore in my eye. Therefore, the Sakyas must be crushed, even if they sue for peace. Keep the army near the border and be ready for a sudden attack."
With an expression of grief.
War is unavoidable and I am to be the means by which the Sakyas will be wiped off the earth. It is my duty, for the King commands it. A soldier should not argue, he obeys.
Draws his sword and looks at it.
This sword is consecrated to the service of my king.
Never have I drawn it except in honest fight.
Lost in contemplation.
Is Sakyamuni the Buddha?—Is he truly the Buddha?
Buddhas are wise; Buddhas are omniscient; Buddhas foresee the future.—
Is Sakyamuni truly the Buddha?—I believe he is.
And if he is the Buddha, is it right to wage a war against his people?—What shall I do?
Oh, ye gods, teach me my duty!
Oh, ye gods, may it not be my lot to fight for an unrighteous cause!
Cursed be the sword that sheds innocent blood.