[201] Now at that time the brahmin Kūṭadanta had gone up to the upper storey of his mansion for his midday rest. The brahmin Kūṭadanta saw the brahmins and householders of Khāṇumata, having departed from Khāṇumata and formed into group after group, approaching Ambalaṭṭhikā. On seeing them, he addressed his steward: "Why, my good steward, are the brahmins and householders of Khāṇumata, having departed from Khāṇumata and formed into group after group, approaching Ambalaṭṭhikā?"
"There is, sir, the ascetic (samaṇa) Gotama, a son of the Sakyans, gone forth from a Sakyan family, who, wandering on tour among the Magadhans with a great Saṅgha of bhikkhus, some five hundred bhikkhus, has arrived at Khāṇumata and is dwelling at Ambalaṭṭhikā near Khāṇumata. And concerning that worthy Gotama such a fair report of fame has spread abroad: 'Thus indeed is that Blessed One (bhagavā): an arahant, a perfectly enlightened one, accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, well-gone, knower of the world, unsurpassed trainer of persons to be tamed, teacher of gods and humans, enlightened, blessed.' These people are going to see that worthy Gotama."
Then it occurred to the brahmin Kūṭadanta: "I have heard this: 'The ascetic Gotama knows the threefold accomplishment of sacrifice (yaññasampadā) with its sixteen accessories.' Now I do not know the threefold accomplishment of sacrifice with its sixteen accessories, and I wish to offer a great sacrifice. Suppose I were to approach the ascetic Gotama and ask him about the threefold accomplishment of sacrifice with its sixteen accessories."
Then the brahmin Kūṭadanta addressed his steward: "Well then, my good steward, go to the brahmins and householders of Khāṇumata, and having approached them, say this to the brahmins and householders of Khāṇumata: 'Sirs, the brahmin Kūṭadanta says this: "Let the worthy gentlemen please wait; the brahmin Kūṭadanta too will go to see the ascetic Gotama."'"
"Yes, sir," the steward replied to the brahmin Kūṭadanta, and he went to the brahmins and householders of Khāṇumata, and having approached them, said this: "Sirs, the brahmin Kūṭadanta says this: 'Let the worthy gentlemen please wait; the brahmin Kūṭadanta too will go to see the ascetic Gotama.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.