Buddhacarita by Ven Asvaghosa - Ancient Buddhist Texts

Buddha-carita, or Life of Buddha - 65
35. ‘Let not my life be subject to death, and let not disease impair this
health of mine; let not old age attack my youth, and let not
misfortune destroy my weal.’
36. When his son uttered a speech so hard to be understood, the king
of the Śākyas thus replied: ‘Abandon this idea bent upon departure;
extravagant desires are only ridiculous.’
37. Then he who was firm as Mount Meru addressed his father: ‘If
this is impossible, then this course of mine is not to be hindered; it is
not right to lay hold of one who would escape from a house that is on
fire.
38. ‘As separation is inevitable to the world, but not for Dharma, this
separation is preferable; will not death sever me helplessly, my objects
unattained and myself unsatisfied’
39. The monarch, having heard this resolve of his son longing for
liberation, and having again exclaimed, ‘He shall not go,’ set guards
round him and the highest pleasures.
40. Then having been duly instructed by the counsellors, with all
respect and affection, according to the śāstras, and being thus
forbidden with tears by his father, the prince, sorrowing, entered into
his palace.