The king said: ‘Reverend Sir, will you discuss with me again?’

‘If your Majesty will discuss as a scholar (paṇḍit), well; but if you will discuss as a king, no.’

‘How is it then that scholars discuss?’

‘When scholars talk a matter over one with another then is there a winding up, an unravelling; one or other is convicted of error, and he then acknowledges his mistake; distinctions are drawn, and contra-distinctions ; and yet thereby they are not angered. Thus do scholars, O king, discuss.’

‘And how do kings discuss?’

‘When a king, your Majesty, discusses a matter, and he advances a point, if any one differ from him on that point, he is apt to fine him, saying: “Inflict such and such a punishment upon that fellow!” Thus, your Majesty, do kings discuss.’

‘Very well. It is as a scholar, not as a king, that I will discuss. Let your reverence talk unrestrainedly, as you would with a brother, or a novice, or a lay disciple, or even with a servant. Be not afraid!’

‘Very good, your Majesty,’ said Nāgasena, with thankfulness.

‘Nāgasena, I have a question to ask you;’ said the king.

‘Pray ask it, Sire.’

‘I have asked it, your Reverence.’

‘That is answered already.’

‘What have you answered?’

‘To what, then, does your Majesty refer?’