"Thus speaks King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods: I have had this Dhamma edict written for the following purpose: that it may endure for a long time, and that my sons and grandsons and great-grandson…"

"Thus speaks King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods: I have had this Dhamma edict written so that my sons and grandsons and great-grandsons may follow it and live according to 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. And this Dhamma consists of mercy, charity…"

"All men are my children. What I desire for my own children, and I desire their welfare and happiness both in this world and the next, that I desire for all men."

"And for the following purpose am I having this inscription written: in order that my sons and grandsons may not consider making new conquests; or, if they do conquer, that they may take pleasure in me…"