English
a conch sound arose. 2. Then, the prince, knowing many omens, having heard it, rejoiced, "My resolve will be fulfilled quickly!" 3. While the guards, appointed here and there, did not know, he left the city, fearless, with the might of a lion. 4. Having gone swiftly along the path, for about five gāvutas, far from the region of Badalatthalagāma. 5. He reached a village, named Pilivatthu; for the gathering of his own people, he had made an appointment. 6. Before his arrival, to sit on the path ahead, those who had received the assignment, who had arrived there then. 7. Seeing them standing there, the prince asked, "Why have so many come?" And they said this to him: 8. "Even by you, master, who knows all worldly affairs, why is it asked, 'For whom is there no fear of death?'" 9. "Master, you are still a youth, standing at such an age; even today, the smell of milk wafts from your mouth." 10. "Indeed, there is no separate wealth accumulated by you; and no other equipment or provisions exist." 11. "By those long familiar, with firm and deep devotion; without us, who else would be your followers?" 12. "Moreover, for us who have come, your father, the king; what he will do, this is not known at all." 13. "On our way, a general named Saṅkha; greatly powerful, a great hero, dwells at the border of the kingdom." 14. "Leaving aside other enemies, we are but a few; our hearts are very much suspicious of each other." 15. "And the time of dawn is now very near;" thus they expressed the fear residing in each of their hearts. 16. Having heard their words, and having made a sweet smile, the prince, free from doubt, looking at their faces, said: 17. "Even though these have associated with me for such a time, all of them, whose fear is like this, have not known me." 18. Having said this, he dispelled their fear. was present. Then he, with lion-like valor, uttered a great lion's roar. 19. Let all humans stand, while I hold weapons in hand; Even Sakka, king of devas, what will he do if enraged? 20. You think me a fool, such a bad thought has arisen in you; "Your knowledge is diminishing, you are not young," have you not heard? 21. Today, by one deed, thought out by me; Those in my own land and other lands, will have fear and devotion towards me. 22. They will act as they know, you will abandon fear; Thus, by this night, at the moment of dawn for me. 23. I will display exalted wisdom, courage, and valor; "My dear, if you have fear of the whites, follow me." 24. "You be in front," having said that, he, taking up arms; The hero, whose essence was courage, departed from that village. 25. To conquer the sun's orb, situated at the peak of Udaya mountain; Like another sun's disk, it rose from the western direction. 26. Spreading its radiance, illuminating the people; In the morning, it came to the lotus-like forest, the place of the Badala tree. 27. Then, by the sound of the conch, the army chief awoke; Knowing the prince had arrived, he became agitated. 28. With a great army, he went forth respectfully; To make a proper prostration, on the surface of the earth. 29. "What good will this living being of ours do for us? He must be killed right now," he said, looking at the soldiers in front. 30. "Death is not desired for one who has not committed an offense; Killing is possible in opposition," he restrained them with a gesture. 31. He, like a lion, took the hand of the army chief; Speaking sweet words, he went to his dwelling. 32. Then, not knowing the king's intended journey; "Until I know his true nature, these companions who came with him. 33. So that they are not united, should be kept separately; Let the prince himself reside in my house," having thought thus. 34. The army chief, having done so, to deceive that great wise one; Showing great hospitality, he sent messengers to the king. 35. "The prince..." Having known this, that deception was done by him; If I, not doing what should be done here, were to remain indifferent. 36. The accomplishment of my desired goal will never be for me; This one, at least for now, must be killed, so thinking. 37. Having employed his companion, he had the army chief killed; "The army chief is killed!"—thus, there was great agitation. 38. One soldier of the army chief, having heard the general was killed, "The killing of my master, for what reason?"—thus he spoke. 39. With a sword in hand, suddenly, at the prince standing alone, he rushed, for his master, having abandoned his own life. 40. Having seen the prince's face, trembling with fear, he, unable to stand before him, then lay down at his feet. 41. At the word "Seize him!" from the prince, earlier, one of his companions killed that soldier. 42. "Without my command, by him the deed done is not proper!" Thus, his punishment he had carried out as was fitting. 43. Then that, arisen at that time, extremely terrifying agitation, merely by raising his eyebrows, the prince brought to peace. 44. The heroic prince, endowed with glory, resolute; Skilled in heroic deeds, whose essence was excellent fame; The immense wealth accumulated by the army chief, for the soldiers, He released all, for them to take as they pleased. In the Mahāvaṃsa, composed for the serene joy and emotion of good people, The Killing of the Army Chief is the sixty-third chapter.