The embassy in solemn procession files in as before at the Jetavana. The Buddha withdraws and is not noticed by the embassy. Prime Minister Nagadeva (N) addresses King Suddhodana.
N. Oh Maharaja, listen to our message!
The ruler of the mighty Magadha,
King Bimbisara, sends you kindly greetings.
He wants you to entreat the Blessed One,
The holy Buddha, who now stays with you,
Who, as he learneth, is your noble son,
To come to Rajagaha on a visit.
There have been rumors of intended war,
And armies are maneuvering nearby,
But be assured, our noble King means peace.
He would not draw the sword against your state,
Nor wage a war against the Buddha's father.
Suddhodana's eye searches for the Buddha who has been standing behind a column and now steps forward.
S. Oh noble son, oh blessed, highest Buddha,
Thou art indeed a King of Kings on earth!
He kneels down. All members of the embassy do the same.
No crown thou wear'st, no scepter's in thy hand,
Thou needest neither lance, nor sword nor shield,
And yet thou rulest, with mere word and thought,
Thou sway'st the destinies of all the world,
I did not know thy power and thy great worth;
But now I bow me down in humble faith,
And I take refuge in the truth thou preachest.
Henceforth I will devote myself to spread
The kingdom of good will and righteousness.
[Music Buddhist Doxology]
[Curtain]