dn13:19.0 2.1. The Simile of the Finest Lady in the Land
dn13:19.1 Suppose a man were to say,
dn13:19.2 ‘Whoever the finest lady in the land is, it is her that I want, her that I desire!’
dn13:19.3 They’d say to him,
dn13:19.4 ‘My man, that finest lady in the land who you desire—do you know whether
dn13:19.5 she’s an aristocrat, a brahmin, a peasant, or a menial?’
dn13:19.6 Asked this, he’d say, ‘No.’
dn13:19.7 They’d say to him,
dn13:19.8 ‘My friend, that finest lady in the land who you desire—do you know her name or clan? Whether she’s tall or short or medium? Whether her skin is black, brown, or dingy? Whether she comes from such-and-such village, town, or city?’
dn13:19.9 Asked this, he’d say, ‘No.’
dn13:19.10 They’d say to him,
dn13:19.11 ‘My man, do you desire someone who you’ve never even known or seen?’
dn13:19.12 Asked this, he’d say, ‘Yes.’
dn13:19.13 What do you think, Vāseṭṭha?
dn13:19.14 This being so, doesn’t that man’s statement turn out to have no demonstrable basis?”
dn13:19.15 “Clearly that’s the case, worthy Gotama.”

