[422] Now at that time a certain guild (pūga) had a meal for the Saṅgha (saṅghabhatta). The Venerable Sāriputta was the most senior elder of the Saṅgha (saṅghatthera). The bhikkhus, thinking, "The Blessed One has allowed the elder bhikkhu to give the blessing (anumodanā) in the refectory," departed, leaving the Venerable Sāriputta alone. Then the Venerable Sāriputta, having exchanged courteous greetings with those people, went along afterwards, alone.
The Blessed One saw the Venerable Sāriputta coming alone while still far off; having seen him, he said this to the Venerable Sāriputta: "Sāriputta, was the meal a success?"
"The meal was a success, venerable sir; but the bhikkhus departed, leaving me alone."
Then the Blessed One, having given a talk on the Dhamma with reference to that occasion, with reference to that incident, addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, I allow four or five bhikkhus—elders and those next in seniority—to remain waiting in the refectory."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.