釋迦譜 1.418

1.418

At that time, having spoken these words, the prince rose from his seat, bid farewell to the royal preceptor and the great minister, and went north to visit the ṛṣi Ārāḍa Kālāma. Then the royal preceptor and the great minister, seeing the prince depart, wept in grief and distress: first, because their love for the prince was deep; second, because having received the king's envoy mission to come to the prince, they were nonetheless unable to sway his resolve. Hesitating by the roadside, they could not bring themselves to return, and said to each other: "Having been charged with the king's mission yet having achieved nothing, how can we answer upon returning empty-handed? We should leave behind five of our attendants who are intelligent and wise, gentle of mind, loyal and upright in nature, and from strong clans, and secretly have them watch and observe his movements." Having said this, they looked to their side and saw the five men, including Kauṇḍinya, and said to them: "Can you all stay and remain here?" The five answered: "Very well, as you instruct. We will secretly watch and observe his movements and comings and goings." They then bid farewell and went toward the prince's place. The royal preceptor and the great minister returned to the palace city.