[61] It is dependent only upon the four [elements] that the form (rūpa) of living beings comes into being;
and from whatever the form comes into being, into that very same it passes back.
Right here alone the soul (jīva) lives; once it has passed away, it perishes;
this world is annihilated — both those who are fools and those who are wise —
and while the world is being annihilated, who here is stained by evil?
#1 [Editorial note: The Burmese (Maramma) edition reads "vijāniyā"; from here onward likewise.]
If that meaning (attha) and that principle (dhamma) are good and not evil,
and if your honour's word is true, then the monkey was well slain by me.
For if you should recognize¹ the fault of your own doctrine (vāda),
you would not blame me — for such indeed is your honour's doctrine.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.