"The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The people of the unconquered territories beyond the borders might think: 'What does the king desire with regard to us?'"

"This Dhamma edict was written by me after I had been consecrated twenty-six years. I have caused this Dhamma edict to be inscribed for the following purpose: that it may endure for a long time, and th…"

"Thus speaks King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods: I have had this Dhamma edict written so that my sons and grandsons may not think of new conquests, and that if a conquest by arms should become neces…"

"Thus speaks King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods: I have had this Dhamma edict written for the welfare and happiness of all people."

"I have had this Dhamma edict written so that my sons and grandsons and great-grandsons may follow it and live according to it. And this is for the welfare and happiness of all people."