..续本文上一页just so happened that it was lying on the border of the territories claimed by two rival demons. They were arguing over the pision of the body, insulting each other in ways that only demons can.

　　Then one demon said to the other, "Why should we continue quarrelling instead of eating

　　 Right over there is King Goodness the Great of Benares. H is famous in all worlds for his righteousness. He will pide the dead body for us.

　　They dragged the body to the king and asked him to pide it between them fairly. He said, “My friends, I would be glad to pide this for you. But I am filthy and dirty. I must clean myself first."

　　The two demons used their magic powers to bring scented water, perfume, clothing, ornaments and flowers from the king”s own palace in Benares. He bathed, perfumed himself, dressed, and covered himself with ornaments and flower garlands.

　　The demons asked King Goodness if there was anything else they could do. He replied that he was hungry. So, again by their magic powers, the demons brought the most delicious flavoured rice in a golden bowl and perfumed drinking water in a golden cup - also from the royal palace in Benders.

　　When he was satisfied, king Goodness asked them to bring him the sword of state from the pillow of the King of Kosala, who was sleeping in the palace in Benares. With magic that too was easily done. Then the king used the sword to cut the dead boy into two halves, right down the spine. He washed the sword of state and strapped it to his side.

　　The hungry demons happily gobbled up the fairly pided dead body. Then they gratefully said to King Goodness, "Now that our bellies are full, is there anything else we can do to please you

　　"

　　He replied, "By your magic, set me in my own bedroom in the palace next to the King of Koala. In addition, put all these my ministers back in their homes." Without a word, the demons did exactly as the king had asked.

　　At that moment the King of Koala was fast asleep in the royal bedchamber. King Goodness the Great gently touched the belly of the sleeping king with the sword of state. The king awoke in great surprise. In the dim lamplight he was frightened to see King Goodness leaning over him with sword in hand. He had to rub his eyes to make sure he was not having a nightmare!"

　　Then he asked the great king, "My lord how did you come here in spite of all my guards

　　 You were buried up to your neck in the cemetery - how is it you are spotlessly clean, sweet smelling, dressed in your own royal robes, and decorated with fine jewellery and the loveliest flowers

　　"

　　King Goodness told him the story of his escape from the band of jackals. He told of the two demons that came to him to settle their quarrel. And he told how they gratefully helped him with their magic powers.

　　On hearing this, the king of Kasala was overcome by his own shame. He bowed his head to King Goodness the Great and cried, "Oh great king, the stupid ferocious demons, who live by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of dead bodies - they recognised your supreme goodness. But I, who was lucky enough to be born as an intelligent and civilised human being - I have been too foolish to see how wonderful your pure goodness is.

　　"I promise never again to plot against you, my lord - you who have gained such perfect harmlessness. And I promise to serve you forever as the truest of friends. Please forgive me, great king." Then, as if he were a servant, the King of Kosala laid King Goodness the Great down on the royal bed, while he himself lay on a small couch.

　　The next day the King of Kosala called all his soldiers into the palace courtyard. There he publicly praised the king of Benares and asked his forgiveness once again. He gave back the kingdom and promised that he would always protect King Goodness. Then he punished his adviser, the criminal minister, and returned to Kosala with all his troops and elephants.

　　King Goodness the Great was sitting majestically on his golden throne, with its legs like those of a gazelle. He was shaded from the sun by the pure white royal umbrella. He taught his loyal subjects saying, "People of Benares wholesomeness begins with giving up the five unwholesome actions once and for all. The highest qualities of the good person, whether ruler or subject, are loving-kindness and compassion. Filled with these qualities, one cannot harm another - no matter what the reason or the cost. No matter how dangerous the threat, one must persevere until the greatness of the good heart wins in the end."

　　Throughout the rest of his reign, the people of Benares lived peacefully and happily. King Goodness the Great continued performing wholesome works. Eventually he died and was reborn as he deserved.

　　The moral is: Refusing to harm others, the good heart wins over all.

《King Goodness the Great (Perseverance)》全文阅读结束。