68. 'Hast thou not the assistance of affectionate and honest ministers, averse to fraud and skilled in the management of affairs, with whom to consider the interest of thy subjects? Thy mind is not indifferent to this important matter, I hope? 69. 'When the kings, thy vassals, after incurring abatement of their splendour by thy policy and vigour, entreat thee to show them mercy, thou wilt generously follow the impulse of pity, I hope, without, however, indulging in trustfulness, which is nothing but the sleep of carelessness? 70. 'Are thy actions, tending to secure the unobstructed pursuit of dharma, artha, and kâma, not applauded by the virtuous, O hero among men, and wide-spread in the world, so to say, by the effect of thy renown? And thy enemies have but sighs to hurt them, I hope?' In reply to these questions the king, manifesting by his gladness the placidity of his senses[158], spoke to him: [158] The placidity of his senses is indicative of his having subdued his evil passions, so that he could give a satisfactory account of his royal occupations. In the Pâli redactions of our story, each question is immediately followed by its answer, which is affirmative, of course, and the wording of which exactly corresponds to the question. 71. 'Now my welfare is assured in every respect, O swan, for I have obtained the long wished-for happiness of meeting with your holy persons. 72, 73. 'This man, having captured thee in the snare, did not hurt thee, I hope, in the exuberance of his joy with his pain-inflicting stick? So it happens, in fact, when there arises calamity to birds, that the mind of those knaves, soiled by exulting joy, impels them to sinful actions.' The Bodhisattva spoke: 74-77. 'I did not suffer, great king, while in that most distressing condition, nor did this man behave towards me at all like an enemy. When he perceived Sumukha staying there, though uncaught, out of love for me, as if he, too, had been caught, he addressed him with great kindness, prompted by curiosity and astonishment. Afterwards, having been propitiated by the gentle words of Sumukha, he released me from the snare, and setting me free, showed respect and honour to me. It is for this reason that Sumukha, wishing this man's good, told him to bring us hither. May then our arrival cause happiness also to him!' The king said: 78, 79. 'Having eagerly longed for your arrival, I bid welcome here to both of you. The sight of you is a feast to my eyes and causes me extreme gladness. As to that Nishâda, I will bestow a rich gift upon him presently. Having shown kindness to both of you, he deserves a high reward.' Then the king honoured the Nishâda by a munificent gift of great wealth. After which, he again addressed the king of swans: