經律異相 11.43

11.43

Then the snare-master said to the minister, 'I will not kill you. I release both you and the king; go wherever you please.' The hunter then released the goose king. The two geese departed together, saying to one another: 'This hunter has done a rare thing: he has granted us life. We must richly repay him with livelihood.' The hunter asked, 'You are beasts; what means of living do you have to repay me?' The two geese replied, 'The king of Vārāṇasī is named Brahmadatta. Carry us and present us to him.' The hunter carried the geese on both shoulders into the city streets. These geese were shapely, and everyone took pleasure in seeing them; some gave five coins, some ten coins, some twenty coins, all saying, 'Do not kill them!' By the time this man reached the royal palace, he had gained immense wealth. The hunter arrived at the palace gates and set the geese on the ground. The goose king said to the gatekeeper, 'Report to King Brahmadatta: the goose king Zhiguo is now outside the gates.' He went and reported to the king. The king immediately permitted them to enter and set out a golden couch for them. Minister Soma exchanged greetings with him as was proper, and only then took his seat. He inquired after King Brahmadatta in verse: