"To Kusinârâ faring forward still The Buddha sowed instructions all the way. But that which he in his forethoughtful care Said for the solacing of Kunda's mind, Should Kunda peradventure afterward Hear some one say to him, 'O Kunda, that Was evil to thee and loss, that Buddha died Having partaken his last meal with thee'-- What Buddha said forefending blame like that, Was memorable. He Ânanda thus taught: 'Tell Kunda: That was good to thee, and gain, That the Tathâgata then died when he Had his last meal as guest of thine partaken. There is no offering of alms in food Of greater profit unto him who gives Than when one offers a Tathâgata Food that once eaten by him he departs With that complete departure wherein naught Of all that late he was is left to be. "One admonition our lord Buddha gave In those last times with him, which let me pray From some of you pardon that I report; New lessons I have learned of womanhood, Sharing these feasts of converse with you all. Now Ânanda inquired of Buddha this: 'How, master, shall we deal with womankind?' 'O Ânanda,' the master made reply, 'Refrain from seeing them.' But Ânanda Said: 'If by chance we see them at some time?' 'Abstain, O Ânanda, from speech with them,' The Blesséd One made answer. Ânanda Once more: 'O master, if they speak to us?' 'Bestir your senses to keep well awake,' The Buddha said in final warning word." The Indian paused hereon, his eyes down dropt, A noble gentle shame confusing him. He would have added (what, not added, Paul Felt in his manner of reticence implied) Tardy acknowledgment of fault his own That he at first had spurned the thought proposed To him of learning aught from Mary's lips; Acknowledgment condign, with suit to be Judged gently since his master so had taught-- All this he would have said in words outright, But sense of other duty kept him dumb; Besides that he was conscious in his mind Of being by Paul already understood.