[53] 3. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jetavana, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. Now on that occasion a number of boys, between Sāvatthī and the Jetavana, were beating a snake with a stick. Then the Blessed One, having dressed in the morning and taken his bowl and robe, entered Sāvatthī for alms. The Blessed One saw those boys, between Sāvatthī and the Jetavana, beating the snake with a stick. Then the Blessed One, having understood this meaning, on that occasion uttered this inspired utterance (udāna):
"Whoever harms with a stick
beings that desire happiness,
while seeking happiness for himself —
when he has passed away, he does not obtain happiness.
Whoever does not harm with a stick
beings that desire happiness,
while seeking happiness for himself —
when he has passed away, he obtains happiness."
The third.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.