Page:Asoka - the Buddhist Emperor of India.djvu/212

210 such and such a manner expound my teaching to the body of subordinate officials of the Law.” ’

IV. Thus saith His Sacred and Gracious Majesty:—

'Considering further the same purpose, I have set up pillars of the Law, appointed Censors (High Officers) of the Law, and made a proclamation of the Law.'

V. Thus saith His Sacred and Gracious Majesty the King:—

'On the roads, too, I have had banyan-trees planted to give shade to man and beast; groves (or "gardens") of mango-trees I have had planted; at every half-kôs I have had wells dug; rest-houses, too, have been erected; and numerous watering-places have been provided by me here and there for the enjoyment of man and beast.

A small matter, however, is that so-called enjoyment.

With various blessings has mankind been blessed by former kings, as by me also; by me, however, with the intent that men may conform to the Law of Piety, has it been done even as I thought.'

VI. Thus saith His Sacred and Gracious Majesty:—

‘My Censors (or “High Ofﬁcers”) of the Law of Piety, too, are employed on manifold objects of the royal favour affecting both ascetics and householders, and are likewise employed among all denominations. On the business of the Church, too, they are employed, as well as among the Brahmans and Jains are they employed. Similarly, they are employed among the Jains; among miscellaneous sects, too, are they employed.

The High Officers of various kinds shall severally superintend their respective charges, Whereas the High Offcers of the Law of Piety (Censors) are employed both on such things and also among other denominations.'

VII. Thus saith His Sacred and Gracious Majesty the King:—

'Both these and many other officers, heads of