[729] Then the Venerable Vaṅgīsa, having by himself dispelled his own discontent (anabhirati) and aroused delight (abhirati), on that occasion spoke these verses:
"Alas, though I have gone forth
from home into homelessness,
these impudent thoughts (vitakka)
come running upon me from the Dark One.
[Just as] sons of chieftains, great archers,
trained men bearing strong bows,
might surround [me] on every side—a thousand men who do not flee,
[so,] even if women more numerous than these¹ should come,
never will they make me tremble,
established as I am in my own Dhamma.
For in his very presence I heard this
from the Buddha, the Kinsman of the Sun—
the path (magga) that goes to Nibbāna;
it is there that my mind (mano) delights.
If, Evil One,² you approach me
while I am dwelling thus,
I shall act, O Death, in
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.