It is told that the most beautiful spot in Savatthi was the royal park of Prince Jeta, which Anatha Pindika wanted to buy for the brotherhood of Buddha. The owner was unwilling to sell and made the exorbitant demand to have the whole ground covered with gold as its price. But Anatha Pindika had the gold carried to the garden and paid the price. The scene is laid in the garden. Anatha Pindika with bags of gold stands in commanding attitude. His servants spread the coins while Prince Jeta throws up his hands in astonishment. (Anatha Pindika is not the real name of the founder of the Jetavana. The name means, "[He who gives to] the indigent, alms.") ACT III. FIRST SCENE [A Brahman temple with a statue of Durga; before the idol an altar. In the background a landscape with farms and a sheep-fold.] _Enter from the right GENERAL SIHA (GS.) with a CAPTAIN (C) and some soldiers._ _GS._ Pitch the tents on the slope of yonder hill where that farmhouse stands. _C._ It shall be done, my general. _GS._ What crowd is gathered there with flags and flowers? _C._ It is the farmer's family led by the village priest, and neighbors flock around to swell their number. _GS._ The priest handles a big knife that flashes in the sun. I see his hands are stained with gore. They seem to celebrate a feast in honor of a god. _C._ The villagers inform me that the occasion of it is sad. One of the farmer's children died of late, and others being sick the father invokes the goddess Kali to preserve the rest of his family. They are arrayed for a procession and having offered a young sheep at the altar of the homestead they have started out. See how the crowd are wending their way hither to the temple. _GENERAL SIHA looks around and contemplates the scenery, then turns to the CAPTAIN._ _GS._ Now pitch the tents before the sun goes down. _In the meantime, the BUDDHA enters with two disciples. They sit down under a tree. The Captain bows to them reverently and leaves the stage._ _GS._ Greetings to you, holy monks. _B._ Peace be with thee, and may thy sword ne'er reek with blood. _GS._ I draw the sword for my king, for my country and for the restoration of order where enemies or rebels have disturbed it. _B._ Thou lookst courageous and thy very words Possess a ring of simple honesty. _GS._ I serve a mighty king who means to do the right. He prefers to establish his rule by treaty and spares an enemy who sues for peace. _B._ Thou speakst of Bimbisara, King of Magadha? _GS._ Indeed I speak of the great Bimbisara, and he is born to sway the world. My sympathy and my allegiance go with him. I am Siha, his general. _B._ Thy name is known throughout the Indian lands. _GS._ When I chose my profession I prayed to the gods that they would never let it be my lot to fight for any unjust cause.