J. I want to tell you that a war is threatening, but please do not speak of it, it is a deep secret. A spy in the secret service of my royal brother has found out that King Bimbisara intends to fall upon the Sakyas and deprive them of their independence. The Brahman Visakha, minister of state, has turned traitor and promises to deliver his country into the hands of King Bimbisara on the condition that he be made Raja in Suddhodana's place.
A. The country of the Sakyas is but small, and their independence will not last long; it is a mere question of time.
J. But consider that the Buddha hails from Kapilavatthu. He is the son of Suddhodana, the Sakya raja.
A. Indeed he is and may I be permitted to inform him of the danger that threatens his father's house?
J. I give you full liberty, for he will use discretion and not betray his informant. I deem Bimbisara's plan dangerous to himself. A war with the Sakyas may cost Bimbisara his throne, for the people of Rajagaha believe in the Buddha, and I learn that even now the war rumors have made them restless.
Servant (St.) enters.
St. Here is a man with the name Kala Udayin, who has a message for the Blessed One.
A. Show him in.
J. I leave you now and hope that you will keep the Buddha as long as possible in Savatthi.
Exit.