Page:Asoka - the Buddhist Emperor of India.djvu/152

150 My neighbours, too, should learn this lesson, and may this lesson long endure!

And this purpose will increase—yea, it will increase vastly, at least half as much again will it increase."

And this proclamation was proclaimed by the body of missioners (vyûthenaa), [to wit], 256 [persons].'

EDICT II SUMMARY OF THE LAW OF PIETY OR DUTY

Thus saith His Sacred Majesty (Devânaṁpiya):—

'Father and mother must he hearkened to; similarly, respect for living creatures must be firmly established; truth must be spoken.

These are the virtues of the Law which must be practised. Similarly, the teacher must he reverenced by the pupil, and fitting courtesy must be shown to relations.'

This is the ancient nature of things—this leads to length of days, and according to this men must act. Written by Paḍa the scribe.

EDICT I

Thus saith His Sacred Majesty:—

'For more than two-and-a-half years I was a lay disciple, without, however, exerting myself strenuously. But it is more than a year since I joined the Order, and have exerted myself strenuously.

The gods who up to this time had been unassociated [with men] in India (Jambudvîpa) have now become associated.