_A._ Not yet. He will see them this morning. _J._ We ought to keep him here. He is a wonderful man, and I consider our city fortunate to have him reside with us. What astonishes me is his way of conquering the hearts of all men, even of his opponents, and he is so sensible. _A._ What do you mean? _J._ I am not a religious man; I am too worldly, but him I would follow. _A._ Why? _J._ He is perhaps the only religious reformer who does not go to extremes. He rejects on the one hand austerities, self-mortifications, penances, and severe fasts as useless, and on the other hand, he would not allow his followers to indulge in pleasures; but he insists most sensibly on keeping between the two extremes and proclaims the middle path of leading a righteous life. There is nothing absurd about him. Think of Devadatta. He insists that the monks should dress in rags picked up in cemeteries. The Buddha appeals to common sense, and therefore I say, he is a wonderful man. _A._ He is more than a man; he is enlightenment incarnate. A stream of blessings goes out from him. _J._ He has grown into an international power, and kings do well not to ignore his influence. _A._ I think so myself, and I am so glad that his influence is always for good, never for evil, and his ways are so marvelously gentle. _J._ Indeed that is a blessing. If he were not so absolutely indifferent to his own affairs he might become positively dangerous. His lay disciples count in thousands of thousands. The farmers in the country, the merchants in the towns, the lawyers, the artisans, and even the soldiers believe in him. Lately General Siha became a lay member of the Buddha's brotherhood, and many other prominent officers followed his example. _A._ He would never have gained this influence if he were not truly the Buddha. _J._ I want to tell you that a war is threatening, but please do not speak of it, it is a deep secret. A spy in the secret service of my royal brother has found out that King Bimbisara intends to fall upon the Sakyas and deprive them of their independence. The Brahman Visakha, minister of state, has turned traitor and promises to deliver his country into the hands of King Bimbisara on the condition that he be made Raja in Suddhodana's place. _A._ The country of the Sakyas is but small, and their independence will not last long; it is a mere question of time. _J._ But consider that the Buddha hails from Kapilavatthu. He is the son of Suddhodana, the Sakya raja. _A._ Indeed he is and may I be permitted to inform him of the danger that threatens his father's house? _J._ I give you full liberty, for he will use discretion and not betray his informant. I deem Bimbisara's plan dangerous to himself. A war with the Sakyas may cost Bimbisara his throne, for the people of Rajagaha believe in the Buddha, and I learn that even now the war rumors have made them restless. _Servant (St.) enters._