[188] "But, brahmin, of these four factors, is it possible to set aside one factor and to describe as a brahmin one who possesses three factors, so that, saying 'I am a brahmin,' he would speak rightly and would not fall into false speech?"
"It is possible, worthy Gotama. Of these four factors, worthy Gotama, we may set aside the hymns (mantā); for what will the hymns accomplish? Since, worthy Gotama, a brahmin is well born on both sides, on his mother's and on his father's, of pure descent through the womb back to the seventh generation of forefathers, unimpugned and irreproachable with respect to talk of birth; and he is virtuous (sīlavā), of mature virtue, endowed with mature virtue; and he is astute (paṇḍita) and intelligent, the first or the second of those who hold up the offering — possessing these three factors, worthy Gotama, the brahmins describe one as a brahmin; and, saying 'I am a brahmin,' he would speak rightly and would not fall into false speech."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.