[2175]
A deed done without reflection, thought out without settled purpose,
has an evil result, just as when a medicine fails;
but a deed done with reflection, thought out with right determination,
has a good result, just as when a medicine succeeds.
A lazy householder, an enjoyer of sensual pleasures, is not good;
one gone forth (pabbajita) who is unrestrained is not good;
a king who acts without reflection is not good;
a wise man who is given to anger—that is not good.
A khattiya should act after reflection, not without reflection, O lord of the directions;
for one who acts after reflection, O king, fame and renown increase.
A ruler should impose punishment only after reflection;
what is done in haste brings torment, O guardian of the earth;
and right resolves and a man's aims—
these bring no remorse afterwards.
For those who, discriminating among the spheres of action in the world,
do deeds (kamma) that bring no remorse afterwards—
those deeds, praised by the wise and yielding happiness,
are approved by the Enlightened Ones.
Gatekeepers girt with swords, clad in ochre,
came to kill me, O lord of the people;
and as I sat upon my mother's lap,
I was dragged off by them with violence, sire.
Having met with a bitter, confining, most grievous plight,
I have regained life, sweet and dear, O king;
today, freed from execution only with hardship,
I am intent solely upon the going forth (pabbajjā).
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.