The Discourse about the Great Emancipation

The Second Chapter for Recitation
Then the courtesan Ambapālī rolled alongside the Licchavī youths axle
by axle, wheel by wheel, and yoke by yoke. Then those Licchavīs said
this to the courtesan Ambapālī: “Why do you, Ambapālī, roll alongside
the Licchavī youths axle by axle, wheel by wheel, and yoke by yoke?”
“Because I have invited the Gracious One, noble sirs, for a meal on the
morrow, together with the Community of monks.”
“Give (us) this meal, Ambapālī, for a hundred thousand (kahapanas).”
“If, noble sirs, you would give Vesālī and its revenues 65 still I would
not give this meal (to you).”
Then the Licchavīs snapped their fingers, (thinking): “We have surely
been defeated by a woman, we have surely been defeated by a
woman.” 66
Then the Licchavīs entered Ambapālī's Wood. The Gracious One saw
those Licchavīs coming from afar, and having seen (them), he
addressed the monks, (saying): “Let those monks who have not seen
the Tāvatiṁsa Divinities, monks, look at the Licchavī troupe, monks,
65 Lit: with its means (of existence) (sāhāraṁ).
66 This is a play on Ambapālī’s name. Ambaka, means a woman.
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