釋迦譜 1.402

1.402

At that time, there was the son of a brahmin named Udāyin, who was intelligent, wise, and exceedingly eloquent. The king then invited him into the palace and said to him: "The crown prince now takes no joy in worldly life or indulging in the five desires. I fear that before long he will leave home to cultivate the Path. You may make friends with him and fully describe the pleasures of the world's five desires, causing his mind to be moved so that he takes no pleasure in leaving home." Udāyin then replied: "The prince's intelligence has no equal. His knowledge of texts and treatises is entirely profound and broad, all of which I have never heard before. How could I be sent to entice and persuade him? It is like using a lotus fiber to suspend Mount Sumeru; so it is with me—I can never turn the prince's mind. Yet since the great king commands me to be his friend, I must do my utmost with what knowledge and insight I have." Udāyin, having received the king's command, followed the prince, never daring to leave his side whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down. The king then also selected singing girls who were intelligent, wise, upright and beautiful in appearance, skilled in singing and dancing, and capable of infatuating people. Decorated in various ways, resplendent and pleasing to the eye, they were all sent to attend upon and serve the prince.