經律異相 33.41

33.41

The envoy carried the letter to the kingdom of Takṣaśilā. When the people there saw this letter arrive, because they loved Kuṇāla, they concealed the letter together and did not give it to him. But the people reflected further: "The great King Aśoka is very formidable, and his heart lacks faith; he would even take the eyes of his own son, how much more might he harbor evil against us?" They gave the letter to Kuṇāla. Having received the letter, Kuṇāla told the people, "If anyone can take my eyes, I now yield to your wish." The people then called a caṇḍāla: "You must gouge out Kuṇāla's eyes." The caṇḍāla joined his palms and said, "I cannot do it now."