[69] Then the Blessed One addressed Vassakāra the brahmin, the chief minister of Magadha: "On one occasion, brahmin, I was dwelling at Vesālī, at the Sārandada Shrine. There I taught the Vajjis these seven principles of non-decline (aparihāniyā dhammā). So long, brahmin, as these seven principles of non-decline remain established among the Vajjis, and so long as the Vajjis are seen conforming to these seven principles of non-decline, only growth is to be expected for the Vajjis, brahmin, not decline."
When this was said, Vassakāra the brahmin, the chief minister of Magadha, said to the Blessed One: "Worthy Gotama, for the Vajjis endowed with even a single one of these principles of non-decline, only growth is to be expected, not decline—what need is there to speak of all seven principles of non-decline? Worthy Gotama, the Vajjis cannot be overcome by King Ajātasattu of Magadha, son of the Vedehi princess, by war—except through cajolery, except through sowing mutual dissension. Well now, worthy Gotama, we must be going; we have many duties, much to be done." "Do now, brahmin, whatever you think it is time for." Then Vassakāra the brahmin, the chief minister of Magadha, having delighted and rejoiced in the Blessed One's words, rose from his seat and departed.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.