[524] Bhikkhus, once in the past, this thought occurred to King Yama: 'Alas, sirs, those who do evil deeds in the world are made to undergo such various punishments as these. Oh, that I might obtain the human state! And that a Tathāgata, a worthy one (arahaṃ), a Perfectly Enlightened One, might arise in the world! And that I might attend upon that Blessed One! And that the Blessed One might teach me the Dhamma! And that I might come to understand that Blessed One's Dhamma!'
Bhikkhus, I do not say this having heard it from any other ascetic or brahmin; rather, I say only what has been known by myself, seen by myself, and realized by myself.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.