[349] Then, as Devadatta was in seclusion, gone into solitude, a reflection of this kind arose in his mind: "Whom, now, might I inspire with confidence, so that, when he has become confident in me, much gain and honor would arise?" Then it occurred to Devadatta: "This Prince Ajātasattu is young and has a promising future. What if I were to inspire Prince Ajātasattu with confidence? When he has become confident in me, much gain and honor will arise."
Then Devadatta, having set his lodging in order and taking his bowl and robes, set out for Rājagaha, and in due course arrived at Rājagaha. Then Devadatta, withdrawing his own form and conjuring up the form of a young boy wearing a girdle of snakes, appeared on the lap of Prince Ajātasattu. Then Prince Ajātasattu was frightened, alarmed, apprehensive, and terrified.
Then Devadatta said to Prince Ajātasattu: "Are you afraid of me, prince?"
"Yes, I am afraid. Who are you?"
"I am Devadatta."
"If, venerable sir, you are the master Devadatta, then please appear in your own form."
Then Devadatta, withdrawing the form of the young boy, stood before Prince Ajātasattu bearing his outer robe, bowl, and robes.
Then Prince Ajātasattu, greatly inspired with confidence by this marvel of psychic power (iddhipāṭihāriya) of Devadatta's, went to attend upon him evening and morning with five hundred carriages, and an offering of food of five hundred pots of rice was brought to him.
Then in Devadatta — overcome by gain, honor, and fame, his mind (citta) consumed by them — a wish of this kind arose: "I shall govern the Saṅgha of bhikkhus." And with the very arising of that thought, Devadatta fell away from that psychic power (iddhi).
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.