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Updated: May 27, 2025
The charming poem called the Light of Asia, by Mr. Edwin Arnold, has lately called general attention to Buddhism. The following is an extract from it: "Fondly Siddatha drew the proud head down Patted the shining neck, and said 'Be still, White Kantaka!
I then painted on the wall near her a pair of chakravâkas in loving attitude, gently took off her ring, replacing it with mine, and slipped out without disturbing any of the sleepers. There was at that time among the prisoners a man named Sinhaghosha, formerly a chief officer of police, but now imprisoned through a false accusation made by Kantaka.
After this I went to the forest, to see Mâríchi. I found him restored to his former condition, and able to give me the desired information. From him I learnt that you would be here about this time. In the morning after my escape, Sinhaghosha informed the king of what had happened, and how Kantaka had been killed when about to enter the princess's apartments.
With this man I had already made acquaintance, and I now went to him and told him how I had killed Kantaka. With his consent I went forth from the prison, and walked away with Sringâlika. We had not gone far when we fell in with a patrol. I thought to myself I could easily run away from them; but what would become of the poor old woman? she would certainly be caught.
Kâmapâla, son of Dharmapâla, minister and son-in-law of the King of Benâres. Kanakalekha, daughter of the King of Kalinga, wife of Mantragupta. Kandukavati, the princess who performed the ball-dance. Kantaka, the gaoler killed by Upahâravarma. Kantimati, the wife of Kâmapâla, mother of Arthapâla. Kirâta, a savage, forester, Bheel. Kosadâsa, lover of Chandrasena.
If I touch thy flank And cry, "On, Kantaka!" let whirlwinds lag Behind thy course! Be fire and air, my horse! To stead thy lord, so shalt thou share with him The greatness of this deed which helps the world; For therefore ride I, not for men alone, But for all things which, speechless, share our pain, And have no hope, nor wit to ask for hope. Now, therefore, hear thy master valorously!"
At that time the governor of the prison was a very conceited young man, named Kantaka, who had lately succeeded to the office by the death of his father. When I was brought in, looking at me in a very contemptuous manner, he said: "So you are the thief who has committed so many robberies.
"One day, when I was standing near her in the gallery round the court-yard of the palace, Kantaka, having some business or other, passed through below us.
"That same evening I received a present for my mistress, a small basket marked with the signet of the princess, and containing articles of no great value. This I took to Kantaka; and begging him to observe the strictest secrecy, made him believe that the princess had sent it to him. He was even delighted when, another day, I brought him a dirty dress, telling him that she had worn it.
Soon after midnight the work was done, and an opening made into the courtyard of the women's apartments. Before returning, I thought to myself "This man has sworn an oath which he intends to break: for the preservation of my own life, therefore, I shall be justified in killing him." Having formed this resolution, I went back to the prison, where Kantaka was waiting for me.
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