The Bodhisatta's Sacrifice : หน้า 22/131

The Bodhisatta, still standing in the river, folded his hands tortoise-wise and took the charm, and saluting his mother cried, “Goodbye, mother.” The Yakkha said, “If you do not return, my son, I cannot live,” and she smote upon her breast, and straightway in sorrow for her son her heart was broken and she fell down dead on the spot. The Bodhisatta, when he knew his mother was dead, called to his father and went and made a funeral pile and burned her body. After extinguishing the flames, he made offerings of various coloured flowers, and with weeping and lamentation returned with his father to Benares. It was told the king, “A youth skilled in tracking footsteps is standing at the door.” And when the king bade him enter, he came in and saluted the king. “My friend,” he said, “do you know any craft?” “My lord, following on the track of one who has stolen any property twelve years ago, I can catch him.” “Then enter my service,” said the king. “I will serve you for a thousand pieces of money daily.” “Very well, friend, you shall serve me.” And the king had him paid a thousand pieces of money daily.