"Thus speaks King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods: All men are my children. What I desire for my own children, and I desire that they may obtain welfare and happiness both in this world and the next, …"

"I have had this inscription of Dharma engraved in order that my sons and great-grandsons may not consider making new conquests, or that if military conquests are made, that they be done with forbearan…"

"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…"

"The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The slaughter, death, and deportation of people is extremely painful to the Beloved of the Gods."

"I consider the promotion of the people's welfare my highest duty, and its exercise is grounded in work and constant application."