[155]
"Hear my word, honorable sirs, you who have come as my brother's deputation!
Whoever, great king, letting the ancient family lineage fall into decline,
practices unrighteousness toward his elders — he is reborn in hell (niraya).
But those who are skilled in the ancient Dhamma, O lord of the quarters,
and are accomplished in good conduct — they do not go to a bad destination (duggati).
Mother and father, brother and sister, relatives and kin —
all these are the burden of the eldest: know it thus, O Bhāratha.
Having taken up that heavy burden, like a mariner I exert myself;
and I am not negligent of the Dhamma, for I am the eldest, O bull among charioteers."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.