[93] Then King Ajātasattu of Magadha, son of the Videhan princess, having paid homage to the Blessed One and raised his joined palms in salutation toward the Saṅgha of bhikkhus, sat down to one side. Seated to one side, King Ajātasattu of Magadha, son of the Videhan princess, said this to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, I would ask the Blessed One about a certain point, a mere trifle, if the Blessed One would grant me the opportunity for an answer to the question."
"Ask, great king, whatever you wish."
"Venerable sir, there are these many common fields of craft, namely: elephant riders, horsemen, charioteers, archers, standard-bearers, camp marshals, distributors of provisions, high officers (uggā), princes, chargers, great warriors, heroes, fighters in leather armor, sons of slaves; bakers, barbers, bath attendants, cooks, garland-makers, dyers, weavers, basket-makers, potters, accountants, finger-reckoners — or whatever other fields of craft there are of a similar kind. Those people live, in this very life, on the visible fruit of their craft; with it they make themselves happy and satisfied, they make their mother and father happy and satisfied, they make their children and wives happy and satisfied, they make their friends and companions happy and satisfied, and they establish among ascetics and brahmins an offering (dakkhiṇā) that leads upward, that is heavenly, ripening in happiness, conducive to heaven. Is it possible, venerable sir, to point out, in just the same way, a fruit of the ascetic life (sāmaññaphala) that is visible in this very life?"
"Do you recall, great king, having asked this question of other ascetics and brahmins?"
"I do recall, venerable sir, having asked this question of other ascetics and brahmins."
"How, then, did they answer, great king? If it is not burdensome for you, please speak."
"It is not burdensome for me, venerable sir, wherever the Blessed One is seated, or one of like stature to the Blessed One."
"Then speak, great king."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.