[368] Then Devadatta approached Prince Ajātasattu; and having approached, he said this to Prince Ajātasattu: "Great king, command men who will deprive the ascetic Gotama of life."
Then Prince Ajātasattu commanded his men: "My men, do just as the master Devadatta says."
Then Devadatta commanded one man: "Go, friend; the ascetic Gotama is dwelling in such-and-such a place. Deprive him of life and come back by this path." On that path he stationed two men, saying: "The one man who comes by this path — deprive him of life and come back by this path." On that path he stationed four men, saying: "The two men who come by this path — deprive them of life and come back by this path." On that path he stationed eight men, saying: "The four men who come by this path — deprive them of life and come back by this path." On that path he stationed sixteen men, saying: "The eight men who come by this path — deprive them of life and come back."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.