Ashoka the Great — "The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The sound of the drum has b…"

"The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The conquest by Dhamma is the best conquest."

"Thus speaks King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods: 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…"

"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…"

"I consider the welfare of all to be my duty, and the root of this is exertion and the prompt dispatch of business."

"The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, honors all sects and both ascetics and laymen, with gifts and various forms of recognition."