Siddhartha was now eight years old. He was happy because this was his first day of school. He got up early and scrubbed his face very clean and neatly combed his hair. He heard footsteps down the hall. He stood up on his toes so he would look taller and smiled from ear to ear. He was ready to meet his teacher. The wisest teacher in the kingdom had been chosen and Siddhartha was eager to learn many things. He had his long writing stick and slate ready.