[82] The venerable Dhaniya, the potter's son, saw the overseer of the timber store being led along in bonds. Having seen him, he said this to the overseer of the timber store: "Friend, on what account are you being led along in bonds?"
"On account of that timber, venerable sir."
"Go, friend; I too shall go."
"May you come, venerable sir, before I am executed."
Then the venerable Dhaniya, the potter's son, approached the residence of Seniya Bimbisāra, King of Magadha; having approached, he sat down on a seat that had been prepared. Then Seniya Bimbisāra, King of Magadha, approached the venerable Dhaniya, the potter's son; having approached, he paid homage to the venerable Dhaniya, the potter's son, and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, Seniya Bimbisāra, King of Magadha, said this to the venerable Dhaniya, the potter's son: "Is it true, venerable sir, as they say, that the king's reserved timber, intended for the repair of the city and laid aside for times of emergency, has been given by me to the master?"
"It is so, great king."
"Venerable sir, we who are called kings have many duties, many things to be done; even having given, we might not remember. Come, venerable sir, cause me to remember."
"Do you remember, great king, when you were first consecrated, uttering such words as these: 'Grass, wood, and water are given to ascetics and brahmins; let them make use of them'?"
"I remember, venerable sir. There are, venerable sir, ascetics and brahmins who have a sense of shame, who are scrupulous, desirous of the training; remorse arises in them even over a trifling matter. It was with reference to them that I spoke, and that, moreover, concerning what is unowned in the wilderness. But you, venerable sir, think to carry off by that pretext timber that has not been given. How indeed could such as I execute, or bind, or banish an ascetic or a brahmin? Go, venerable sir; you are freed on account of your hair. Do not do such a thing again."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.