the communication which Asoka had made upon this subject (during the reign of his father), and "laying aside his bow and arrow," and approaching this "Rishi,” and conversing graciously, he seated himself near him. These appear to be the scenes depicted in the picture from the Caves of Ajunta, of which a tracing is given on the page opposite the only difference being, that the northern artist represents the friendly Deva in the form of a lion, which stands proudly near the saints, one of whom is concealing himself beneath the trees.

:

On the right hand we see the next scene, in which the King sits conversing with the pious Mahendra; and above are depicted men, women, and children, sitting in the stables. This also accords with the Ceylon history, which speaks of the Princess Annula and her five hundred women as very early converts; and after saying that "these females attained the first stage of sanctification," it continues, "The inhabitants of the town hearing of the pre-eminent piety of the thero from those who had seen him the day previous, and becoming impatient to see him, assembled and clamoured at the palace-gate. Their sovereign hearing this commotion, inquired respecting it; and, learning the cause thereof, desirous of gratifying them, thus addressed them :For all of you (to assemble in) this palace is insufficient; prepare the great stables of the state-elephants, there the inhabitants of the capital may see these theros.' Having purified the elephant stables, and quickly ornamented the same with cloths and other decorations, they prepared seats in due order."*

Here again the northern artist makes a slight alteration, * Mahawanso, ch. xv.