“From truth in speech he cannot swerve, faithful and trustworthy, he hurts no man by deceit.
“Slander is not for him, and calumny dies upon his tongue. He is a binder together of those who are divided, a peacemaker, a peace-lover, impassioned for peace.
“From him come no harsh words. Whatever word is humane and lovely, pleasing and comforting, that he speaks.
“Foolish talk and idle words are not his. In season he speaks what redounds to profit and wisdom.
“He will not injure any creature. He eats but once a day. Gay and trivial shows are not for him. He does not adorn himself richly, for this is folly for a grown man.
“For riches, be it in silver and gold and jewels, or flocks and herds he has no desire, and putting field to field does not tempt him who knows the world as it Is. And as for any deed of fraud or violence the possibility of it is not in him.
“Nor will he teach magical spells nor gain a living or influence by any such arts or lying practices. And among the disturbed and careful, he moves serene and pure, as the moon, freed from clouds, pursues her way in midnight skies, shedding her light abroad to guide the wayfarer.”
And Vasettha, musing, said:
“This is no low teaching. This is the way of a great nobleman, and such are his manners.”
And the Blessed One: