‘Seated in his finest longhouse, the mighty King Sivi is thinking of manifold gifts and cannot see any he would not give.

Is this true or not? Come, let us test him. Wait a while until I know his mind.’

Appearing as a frail old man, with grey hair and wrinkled skin, feeble and blind, he approached the king.

Then, stretching out his left and right arms, he raised his cupped palms to his head and said the following.

‘Great king, I have a request for you. Under your just rule the kingdom has flourished, and the renown of your love of giving has risen among gods and humans.

Both my eyes, by which I find my way, are ruined and become blind. Give me just one eye, while you too get by with one.’

After hearing his words I was thrilled, my mind elated, so with cupped palms, inspired, I said the following.

‘Just now I was reflecting on this when I came here from the longhouse. Understanding my mind, you have come to ask for an eye.

Oh! My wish has come true! My intention is fulfilled! Today I shall give to a supplicant a fine gift never before given.’

‘Come Sivaka, stand up, do not hesitate or waver. Pluck out even both eyes and give them to the supplicant.’