[284] Bhikkhus, at a time when robbers are strong, kings at that time are weak. At that time, bhikkhus, it is not easy for the king to travel out or to travel forth, or to tour on inspection the outlying border districts; at that time it is not easy for brahmins and householders either to travel out or to travel forth, or to look after their outside works. In just the same way, bhikkhus, at a time when evil bhikkhus are strong, the well-behaved bhikkhus at that time are weak. At that time, bhikkhus, the well-behaved bhikkhus sit silent — utterly silenced — in the midst of the Saṅgha, or they resort to the outlying border districts. This, bhikkhus, is for the harm of many people, for the unhappiness of many people, for the ruin, harm, and suffering (dukkha) of many people, of devas and humans.
Bhikkhus, at a time when kings are strong, robbers at that time are weak. At that time, bhikkhus, it is easy for the king to travel out or to travel forth, or to tour on inspection the outlying border districts; at that time it is easy for brahmins and householders too to travel out or to travel forth, or to look after their outside works. In just the same way, bhikkhus, at a time when the well-behaved bhikkhus are strong, the evil bhikkhus at that time are weak. At that time, bhikkhus, the evil bhikkhus sit silent — utterly silenced — in the midst of the Saṅgha, or they drift away in one direction or another. This, bhikkhus, is for the welfare of many people, for the happiness of many people, for the good, welfare, and happiness of many people, of devas and humans.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.