Yasodhara looking up to Buddha with deep emotion.
Y. Oh Lord, how did I long for your return,
But in your eyes I have become as naught.
B. My faithful helpmate and my former wife,
Thou hast been dear to me, dear art thou still,
But truth is dearer, and to truth I cling,
While on my quest of truth in former lives,
And also now in this existence, thou
With voluntary sacrifice hast aided me,
Imagine not that thou a hindrance art
To me or to my work and holy mission.
Next to my sainted mother thou art blessed
Among the women of this world. Rejoice
And let grief pass from thy suffering soul.
Y. [In a kneeling posture] Grant me a boon, my Lord, a precious boon.
R. Yea, father, grant the boon that mother wants.
B. Speak, Princess, and I listen to thy word.
I know thy heart, Yasodhara; I know
That naught but worthy thoughts dwell in thy mind.
Y. Grant me to help thee in thy noble mission.
I want to join the band of thy disciples.
She pauses and the Buddha hesitates to answer.
I shall be happy if I do thy work.
B. Dost thou not know this boon is but a burden?
Y. The heavier it be, my Lord, the more I welcome it.
R.Oh grant the boon!
B.Not yet
Yasodhara, have women been admitted;
But I foresee the time will come.
Y.My Lord
The time is here if thou but grant the boon.
The Buddha places his right hand in blessing upon Yasodhara's head.
B. So let it be, and so thy boon be granted;
I may not hinder thee if thou insistest.
As Pajapati helps Yasodhara to rise, a third flourish of trumpets is heard, this time near by and loud. Devala returns in great excitement and addresses Suddhodana.