Buddhacarita by Ven Asvaghosa - Ancient Buddhist Texts

Buddha-carita, or Life of Buddha - 63
again but with no feelings of longing, like an elephant entering an
exercise-ground after roaming in a forest-land.
24. ‘Happy truly and blessed is that woman whose husband is such as
thou, O long-eyed prince!’ So, on seeing him, the princess exclaimed,
folding her hands to welcome him, as he entered the road.
25. He whose voice was deep-sounding like a cloud heard this address
and was filled with profound calm; and as he heard the word ‘blessed’
he fixed his mind on the attainment of Nirvāṇa.
26. Then the prince whose form was like the peak of a golden
mountain, – whose eye, voice, and arm resembled a bull, a cloud, and
an elephant, – whose countenance and prowess were like the moon
and a lion, – having a longing aroused for something imperishable, –
went into his palace.
27. Then stepping like a lion he went towards the king who was
attended by his numerous counsellors, like Sanatkumāra in heaven
waiting on Indra resplendent in the assembly of the Maruts.
28. Prostrating himself, with folded hands, he addressed him, ‘Grant
me graciously thy permission, O lord of men, – I wish to become a
wandering mendicant for the sake of liberation, since separation is
appointed for me.’