Thereupon the rich man thought of an expedient to persuade his son to come to him. He [wished to] dispatch messengers in secret. He said to two men looking worn-out, powerless and virtueless,

Two men symbolizes the Dharma of the two vehicles. [The Buddha] made up his mind to bestow [it upon] them: thus he “dispatched.” But he hid the real, thus the word secretly. li did not illuminate itself completely: its “appearance was miserable.” Also their inner understanding was not manifest: they had “no dignity of bearing.” Such men were not “the [Dharma-]king’s messengers.”

‘Go and gently tell the poor man that he will be employed here for a double day’s pay.

To follow his sentiment, but not his original [plan], is what is implied by say gently. He was made to work and practice and was provided with pleasure: they were in a “work place.” What he was given surpasses [what he could enjoy] in the world: he was “given double wages.”

If he agrees with you, bring him here and have him work. If he asks you what work he should do, tell him that he should clear dirt and that you two also will work with him.’

Dharma consists of men’s practice: it is [what they] “shall work with.”

The poor son [came back with them,] drew his pay in advance, and cleared dirt with them.

He received what the messengers promised: he “first took his pay.” He did not have any doubts: he “swept the dung with them.”