#jaugada

[piyadasilaja]

At the word of Devānāṁpriya (me), the Mahāmātras at Tosali, (who are) the judicial officers of the city, have to be told (thus):

Whatever I recognize (to be right), that I strive to carry out by deeds, and to accomplish by (various) means.

And this is considered by me the principal means for this object, viz. (to give) instruction to you.

For you are occupied with many thousands of men, with the object of gaining the affection of men.  (no homo)

All men are my children. As on behalf of (my own) children I desire that they may be provided with complete welfare and happiness in this world and in the other world, the same I desire also on behalf of [all] men. 

And you do not learn how far this (my) object reaches. (not a dick joke)

[piyadasilaja]

forgive me your majesty but I accidentally put two deer in your curry last week instead of one. is that okay? what should I do now

King Devānāṃpriya Priyadarśin speaks thus. 

Progress of morality among men has been promoted (by me) only in two ways, (viz.) by moral restrictions and by conversion.  But among these (two), those moral restrictions are of little consequence; by conversion, however, (morality is promoted) more considerably. Now moral restrictions indeed are these, that I have ordered this, (that) certain animals are inviolable.  

And for (this) purpose I shall send out two Mahāmātra who will be neither harsh nor fierce, (but) of gentle actions, (viz. in order to ascertain) whether (the cook), paying attention to this object (curry), ..... are acting thus, as my instruction (implies).

But from Ujjayinī also the prince (governor) will send out for the same purpose ….. a person of the same description, and he will not allow (more than) one deer to be added (to curry). In the same way (an officer will be deputed) from Takshaśilā also. When ..... these Mahāmātras will set out on tour, then, without neglecting their own duties, they will ascertain this as well, (viz.) whether (the] cooks in Pataliputta) are carrying out this also thus, as the instruction of the king (implies). 

This rescript on morality has been caused to be written by king Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin.  Here no living being must be killed and sacrificed. But now, when this rescript on morality is written, only three animals are being killed (daily) for the sake of curry, (viz.) two peacocks (and) one deer, (but) even this deer not regularly.  Even these three animals shall not be killed in future.