Locked in an Ivory Edifice
Prince Siddhartha Gautama was the scion of a family of warrior-kings
in northern India. He was being indoctrinated for the time when he 
would assume his father's throne. Growing up in an atmosphere of 
opulence, the young Prince was shielded from the cruel realities of
the world. An army of obsequious servants and tutors catered to his
every desire, providing Siddhartha the instruction in fencing, dancing, 
riding, and painting--while lavishing fulsome praise upon him. It was
not until he was thirty, Siddhartha took the first step which led to
his becoming Buddha, one of the world's greatest spiritual leaders.


two strings to one's bow--The salesman had two strings to his bow --if a phone
call didn't get results, he would appear in person.
(two means of achievements one's aim.)