Mahâ-Parinibbâna-Suttanta: The Book of the Great Decease

'If, brethren, a number of nobles, or Brâhman, or heads of houses, or Samanas should come to visit a king of kings, they are filled with joy on beholding him; and if the king of kings should then speak, they are filled with joy at what is said; while they are ill at case, brethren, when the king of kings is silent. 40. 'Just so, brethren, are the four wonderful and marvellous qualities in Ânanda. 'If, brethren, a number of the brethren of the p. 99 order, or of the sisters of the order, or of devout men, or of devout women, should come to visit Ânanda, they are filled with joy on beholding him; and if Ânanda should then preach the truth to them, they are filled with joy at the discourse; while the company of brethren is ill at case, brethren, when Ânanda is silent. 'Now these, brethren, are the four wonderful and marvellous qualities that are in Ânanda.' ------------------------ 41. When he had thus spoken[1], the venerable Ânanda said to the Blessed One: 'Let not the Blessed One die in this little wattel and daub town, in this town in the midst of the jungle, in this branch township[2]. For, Lord, there are other great cities, such as Kampâ, Râgagaha, Sâvatthi, Sâketa, Kosambi, and Benâres. Let the Blessed One die in one of them. There there are many wealthy nobles and Brâhmans and heads of houses, believers in the Tathâgata, who will pay due honour to the remains of the Tathâgata[3].'