But the Blessed One called the brethren and asked: “Where then, monks, is Ananda?” And they told him, and he said to a certain brother: “Go, brother, and say ‘Brother Ananda, the Master calls you.’” And it was done and the beloved Ananda returned, and the Blessed One said to him. “Enough, Ananda. Do not let yourself be troubled. Do not weep. Have I not often told you that it is in the very nature of things most near and dear to us that we must divide ourselves from them and leave them? How then could it be possible that anything containing within itself the necessity of dissolution should not be dissolved? For a long time, Ananda, have you been very near to me by acts of love, kind and good, that never varies and is beyond all measure. And not only by acts but by words and thoughts of love. You have done well, Ananda. Be earnest in effort and you too shall soon be delivered and attain the perfect percipience.” Then the Blessed One said to the others: “He is a wise man, monks, is Ananda. Knowing what is right he has four marvellous qualities, for those who see him, who hear him speak or teach are filled with joy on beholding and hearing him, and the company of the Assembly are ill at ease when Ananda is silent.” And later he said: “Go now, Ananda, to the town of Kusinara and inform the people of the Mallas that in the last watch of the night He who has thus Attained will pass away. And say this—‘Be favourable herein, Mallas, and leave no occasion to reproach yourselves that you did not visit the World-Honoured in his last hours.’” And Ananda the beloved went, robed and carrying his bowl and attended by a member of the Order. And, as it chanced, the Mallas were assembled in the Council Hall and when they heard his words, they wept, they and their wives and children saying: “Too soon will the Blessed One die! Too soon will the Happy One pass away. Too soon will the Light of the World be darkened!” And trooping out with their wives and children, these Mallas came to the Grove of the sala trees, and Ananda considering their great number thought: “There is not time that they should speak singly with the Lord. But I will present them by families.” And this he did, causing the Mallas to stand in groups and so presented them, saying: “Lord, a Malla of such and such a name, with his wives, his children his retinue and his friends, humbly bows down at the feet of the Blessed One.” And that family with its retinue then advanced, weeping. And after this manner were all presented during the first watch of the night, and when it was done they retired in heavy grief. But there was yet one work of mercy left unto the Lord. For at this time a mendicant named Subaddha was dwelling at Kusinara, and he heard the news that the Blessed One was about to pass away and his religious doubts rushed into his mind and he thought: