He said: 'You know well that I have plenty of gold, plenty of cows, horses, slaves, attendants, and apparel; do not heap on me what I have already in plenty, in abundance, and superabundance.' The king said: 'Gautama, do you wish (for instruction from me) in the proper way?' Gautama replied: 'I come to you as a pupil.' In word only have former sages (though Brahmans) come as pupils (to people of lower rank), but Gautama actually dwelt as a pupil (of Pravahana, who was a Raganya) in order to obtain the fame of having respectfully served his master.

In plain words: Gautama says he already has plenty of gold, cattle and possessions and wants no more. When the king asks if he truly seeks to learn, Gautama humbly comes to him as a student, and he really lived as one, not just in words.