Well-proportioned and prominent and delicate is his nose;
Around him is diffused a network of rays;—
The Lion among Men!
The king was deeply agitated; and he departed instantly, gathering up his robe in his hand, and went quickly and stood before the Blessed One, and said, “Why, Master, do you put us to shame? Why do you go begging for your food? Do you think it impossible to provide a meal for so many monks?”
“This is our custom, O king!” was the reply.
“Not so, Master! our descent is from the royal race of the Great Elected;[231] and amongst them all not one chief has ever begged his daily food.”
“This succession of kings is your descent, O king! but mine is the succession of the prophets (Buddhas), from Dīpaŋkara and Kondanya and the rest down to Kassapa. These, and thousands of other Buddhas, have begged their daily food, and lived on alms.” And standing in the middle of the street he uttered the verse—
292. Rise up, and loiter not!
Follow after a holy life!
Who follows virtue rests in bliss,