[158] "Surely, Nanda, you understand
the true Dhamma (saddhamma) taught by the good;
noble, of noble conduct,
you please me exceedingly.
I address you, honored sir, and you, honored lady:
listen to my words.
Never at any time has this burden
been a mere burden to me.
While I have thus been attending upon them,
bringing happiness to mother and father,
Nanda, having made his entreaty,
begs me for that office of attendance.
If either of you who are at peace,
who live the holy life (brahmacārī), wishes it at your pleasure,
then let one of you choose Nanda:
whom shall Nanda attend upon?"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.