[660] "Herein, headman, as for those ascetics and brahmins who speak thus and hold such a view: 'Whoever speaks falsehood — every such one experiences suffering (dukkha) and grief in this very life' — did they speak truly or falsely?"
"Falsely, venerable sir."
"But those who prattle empty falsehood — are they virtuous or immoral?"
"Immoral, venerable sir."
"But those who are immoral, of evil character — are they practising wrongly or practising rightly?"
"Practising wrongly, venerable sir."
"But those who are practising wrongly — are they of wrong view or of right view?"
"Of wrong view, venerable sir."
"But as for those of wrong view — is it fitting to place confidence in them?"
"Certainly not, venerable sir. It is wonderful, venerable sir! It is marvellous, venerable sir! I have, venerable sir, a rest-house (āvasathāgāra); therein there are beds, there are seats, there is a water-pot, there is an oil lamp. Whatever ascetic or brahmin comes to lodge there, I share these with him according to my ability, according to my strength."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.