"The beloved of the gods, king Piyadasi, speaks thus: I have had this Dhamma edict written that it may last long and that my descendants may act in conformity with it."

"I have had this Dhamma edict written for the welfare and happiness of all people. For I consider that the greatest happiness is to lead people to the Dhamma."

"For a long time in the past, for many hundreds of years, there had ever been increased killing of living beings, cruelty to living beings, disrespect to relatives, disrespect to Brahmans and ascetics."

"Therefore, even if a man wrongs me, I forgive him as far as it is possible to forgive."

"For this is my rule: government by the law, administration according to the law, gratification of my subjects under the law, and protection through the law."