“Nor are the Gods forgotten in the city of Ayodhya; great reverence is done them, and were a royal saint upon the throne, crime would be banished and forgotten and the Golden Age return to earth. O bountiful and merciful, all this is in your hands. There also are troops of noble Brahmans, celebrated for learning and piety, for it were shame indeed if greatness of mind and soul were forgotten in the pleasure of the senses. No—far otherwise. And with such wisdom, there is no poverty, for every householder is rich in horses and cattle and food. All possess earrings and garlands, each is content with his own gains, free from covetousness, speaking the truth.” And when the sweet subtle voice ceased the Prince replied: “Then it is only I who shall be covetous—I, who must plunge this happy city in blood and tears that I may take it to be my slave? And the King who has made them happy I must slay. Is this what you would have me do?” And the Tempter replied gravely. “Prince, there is no good but what it might be better, and if that King is wise you are wiser. Turn again to Kapila and to glory, and to the good of mankind and this that I promise shall befall in seven days.” Then summoning his fortitude, Siddhartha said slowly. “This city filled with pleasure, beauty and wealth, with wisdom and content,—is it safely protected, O wise one? Is it well fortified against attack?” And eager was the voice of the Tempter. “Well asked, O Prince, and wisely. It is fortified as never city in the world’s history. About it goes a mighty wall where the King’s chariots may drive abreast, and about that a moat wide and deep, and there is a host of warriors, each able to combat with a thousand. Never city so safe. Nor could even yourself conquer it did I not give you friends within the gates.” “Then is it certain that age, disease and death, those fell enemies, must needs stay outside? They cannot enter in this guarded city?” So said the Prince. There was silence. And presently Siddhartha answering the subtle voice said: “Go from me, thou Ancient Evil! The snare is set too plain. For all their wealth this miserable people must suffer and decay and die like all the world and their riches are but a pang the more. Truly one day I may come to Ayodhya and as a conqueror bringing great riches in my hand for their good, but not thus—not thus!” And in his heart the subtle voice was stilled and he rose and went on his way with bleeding feet. And as he went he said this to himself: “Before the days when I considered the terrors of re-birth, old age, disease and death, I sought after such merchandise as the merchandise of Kosala, subject to all these lures. But now, seeing the danger, awake and alert, let me seek only after the things which have no part in these, even the supreme joy and security of the Peace.” But though he did not know it, that Tempter followed, for who is immune from his arts, and he thought, watching the serenity of the Prince: