大方便佛報恩經 4.33

4.33

"The master then provided for him according to his wishes, escorted him to a place crowded with people in the city of Ṛṣabha, and returned home in peace. Kalyāṇamitra was skilled at playing the zither; its tones were harmonious and elegant, delighting the minds of the multitude. The entire crowd joined together to supply him with food and drink, even enough to satisfy five hundred beggars on the road of Ṛṣabha, who all ate their fill. At that time, the king of the country had an orchard that was flourishing and luxuriant, but constantly troubled by birds. The orchard keeper said to Kalyāṇamitra: 'Guard against the birds for me, and I will provide well for you.' Kalyāṇamitra replied: 'I have no eyes; how can I chase away the birds for you?' The orchard keeper said: 'I have a method: I will tie ropes to the tops of the trees and attach bronze bells. When you sit under a tree and hear the sound of birds, pull on the end of the rope.' Kalyāṇamitra replied: 'That I can do.' He led him beneath a tree, and having settled him there comfortably, he left. Kalyāṇamitra guarded against the birds while also playing the zither to entertain himself. At that time, the daughter of King Ṛṣabha went with her attendants into the orchard to view it. Seeing this blind man, she approached him and asked: 'Who are you?' He replied: 'Merely a blind beggar.' When the princess saw him, love arose in her heart, and she could not bear to leave him. The king again sent an envoy to summon his daughter. The daughter said: 'I am not going. Bring food for me.' After finishing eating and drinking with this blind man, she said to the great king: 'For the king to give me to this blind man now would perfectly suit my wish.' The king said: 'You are possessed by a demon, mad and deranged! How could you live together with this blind man? Do you not know? Your parents previously promised you to Prince Kalyāṇamitra of the king of Vārāṇasī. Kalyāṇamitra has gone out to sea and not yet returned. How can you become a beggar's wife now?' The daughter said: 'Even so, even if it costs my life, I will never leave him.' Hearing these words, the king could not refuse. He immediately dispatched an envoy to bring the blind man and shut him in a quiet room.