There are Limits to Spiritual Perfumeries
The Buddha was a prophet in some tales.
These legends have him make predictions of
Enlightened ones to follow him. The veils
Of future times are lifted for the love
Of coming Buddhas only: Christs are not
Foretold by Buddha, nor Mohammad. He
Foreshadows only Buddhas, does not trot
Out other holinesses, does not see
His way to augur coming holy Jains.
He promises a perfume maker’s son
Will come and bring out further holy strains
Of Buddha—though He will not be outdone,
Of course. The Buddha never says in such
Tales better will come. That would be too much.