Now on a day, Sakka, the King of the gods, appeared before him and, wishing to test him, said: “Behold yon man, all black of hue, my spirit likes him not.” Now by his divine insight the Buddha knew that Sakka spoke to him. And he made answer and said: “Though black of hue, I am a true Brahmin. A man is not black by reason of his outer skin; only can sin make him black.” Thus he discoursed to Sakka, and it was as he had made the moon to rise in the sky. And the god asked him what boon he would crave. And the Divine being asked to be free of three things: malice, hatred and greed. Then Sakka: “What is bad in these things?” And Buddha made answer, “Because hatred grows from small to great and is ever full of bitterness. Malice brings evil. First word, then touch, next fist, then staff, and last the swordstroke flashing free. When men are urged by greed, then arise fraud and deceit and swift pursuit of savage loot——” “Then,” said Sakka, “choose another boon.” Then said the Buddha, “Grant that in the woods where I live alone, no disease may mar my peace, or break my ecstasy.” Then said Sakka, “He chooseth no thing connected with food.” And he granted yet another boon. And the Buddha said, “Let no creature ever be harmed for me in body or in mind.” And Sakka made the tree bear fruit perennially, and saluting the Buddha by touching his head with joined hands, he said: “Dwell here for ever free from disease,” and returned to his throne. THE RICE MEASURE Long ago, Brahmadatta was king in Benares, in the land of Kāsi. At that time our Bodisat was his valuer. He valued both horses, elephants, or things of that kind; and jewelry, gold, or things of that kind; and having done so, he used to have the proper price for the goods given to the owners thereof. Now the King was covetous. And in his avarice he thought, “If this valuer estimates in this way, it will not be long before all the wealth in my house will come to an end. I will appoint another valuer.” And opening his window, and looking out into the palace yard, he saw a stupid miserly peasant crossing the yard. Him he determined to make his valuer; and sending for him, asked if he would undertake the office. The man said he could; and the King, with the object of keeping his treasure safer, established that fool in the post of valuer. Thenceforward the dullard used to value the horses and elephants, paying no regard to their real value, but deciding just as he chose; and since he had been appointed to the office, as he decided, so the price was.