Consequently, they left the affairs of the kingdom in the hands of one of the six, while the three contenders themselves made their way to the hermit. They recounted their story in full and assured him that they would accept whoever among them he might nominate.

The ascetic said, “It seems my withdrawal from people has brought me no benefit. You and I are like a man who was staying in a house infested with flies; he moved to another dwelling in search of relief, only to find a lion there instead. He cried, ‘The wild beast I fled was easier to bear than the beast that has descended upon me in this new house. This is no place for me to remain!’ ”

They replied, “The finest men of your kingdom have urged us to come to you, hoping for the blessing, sound judgment, and good fortune that lie in your opinion. You need only indicate the one you deem best among us, and we shall invest him with authority.”

He answered, “How should I know which of you is the best? All of you are seeking the same position and, in that ambition, you stand on equal footing.”

Hearing this, some of them began to think that if they showed a clear reluctance for the throne, the ascetic might point to them in preference.