D. My noble liege, an embassy is coming
From Bimbisara, King of Magadha.
They are the kingdom's highest ministers,
And sullen do they look and their retainers.
S. 'Tis most unfortunate, but let them in.
D. There's more to be announced.
S.You look excited.
D. It is but the beginning of the end:
Our scouts are captured, one of them escaped.
He hesitates.
S. Well, Devala?
D.He carries evil news.
S. [With great anxiety] By Issara! Speak, man! Don't hesitate.
Devala covers his eyes with his hands and sobs.
S. Tell me the worst. Tell me the worst at once.
D. O that I had no tongue to tell the tidings.
S. I will be brave, speak freely! Be a man!
In the meantime the Buddha together with the others has entered the main hall.
D. Our cause is lost. We are surrounded,
Three bridges have been built and General Siha
Stands ready with an overwhelming army
To crush us.
S.Once I had a son! But he
Alas! turned mendicant and fails me now!
In him no drop of warrior blood is left,
No spark of honor gloweth in his heart
And our ancestral pride goes down in shame.
B. Transient, my noble father, are all things.
All kingdoms finally must pass away,
But if thou tak'st thy refuge in the truth,
Thou wilt be free from all vicissitudes.
The kingdom of the truth alone endures.
S. [With indignation.] Siddhattha, spare thy monkish rant,
Far better than thy cowardly submission,
Far nobler and befitting it would be,
To draw the sword and die a hero's death.