[648] The brahmin Caṅkī saw the brahmins and householders of Opāsāda who, having departed from Opāsāda in groups and companies, were heading northward toward the Devavana sal grove. Having seen them, he addressed his steward: "Steward, why are the brahmins and householders of Opāsāda, having departed from Opāsāda in groups and companies, heading northward toward the Devavana sal grove?"
"Sir Caṅkī, there is this: the ascetic Gotama, son of the Sakyans, gone forth from the Sakyan clan, wandering on tour in the Kosalan country together with a large Saṅgha of bhikkhus, has arrived at Opāsāda and is dwelling at Opāsāda, to the north of Opāsāda, in the Devavana sal grove. Now concerning that worthy Gotama such a fair report has spread abroad: 'Thus indeed is that Blessed One: an arahant, a perfectly enlightened one, accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, a fortunate one (sugata), knower of the world, unsurpassed trainer of persons to be tamed, teacher of gods and humans, enlightened, blessed.' They are going to see that worthy Gotama."
"Then, steward, go to the brahmins and householders of Opāsāda, and having approached them, say this to the brahmins and householders of Opāsāda: 'Sirs, the brahmin Caṅkī says this: Let the worthy ones please wait; the brahmin Caṅkī too is going to see the ascetic Gotama.'"
"Yes, sir," the steward replied to the brahmin Caṅkī, and he went to the brahmins and householders of Opāsāda; having approached, he said this to the brahmins and householders of Opāsāda: "Sirs, the brahmin Caṅkī says this: Let the worthy ones please wait; the brahmin Caṅkī too will go to see the ascetic Gotama."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.