[316] When this was said, the Venerable Ānanda said to that young brahmin: "It is not the right time, young brahmin. Today I have drunk a dose of medicine. But perhaps tomorrow we may come, taking into account the proper time and occasion."
"So be it, sir," that young brahmin replied to the Venerable Ānanda, and rising from his seat he approached Subha the young brahmin, Todeyya's son. Having approached, he said to Subha the young brahmin, Todeyya's son: "In your name, sir, we said to that worthy Ānanda: 'Subha the young brahmin, Todeyya's son, asks whether the worthy Ānanda is free from affliction and free from illness, buoyant, strong, and dwelling at ease; and he says this: It would be good if the worthy Ānanda would approach the residence of Subha the young brahmin, Todeyya's son, out of compassion.' When this was said, sir, the ascetic Ānanda said to me: 'It is not the right time, young brahmin. Today I have drunk a dose of medicine. But perhaps tomorrow we may come, taking into account the proper time and occasion.' To this extent, sir, at least this much has been accomplished: that the worthy Ānanda has made an opportunity for coming tomorrow."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.