A deity engages the Buddha in verse on aristocrats, exploring a teaching on suffering, liberation, and the law of kamma.

SN 1.14 Aristocrats

“Khattiyo dvipadaṁ seṭṭho,
balībaddo catuppadaṁ;
Komārī seṭṭhā bhariyānaṁ,
yo ca puttāna pubbajo”ti.

“Sambuddho dvipadaṁ seṭṭho,
ājānīyo catuppadaṁ;
Sussūsā seṭṭhā bhariyānaṁ,
yo ca puttānamassavo”ti.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Khattiyo dvipadaṁ seṭṭho,

“An aristocrat is the best of bipeds,

balībaddo catuppadaṁ;

an ox is the best of quadrupeds,

Komārī seṭṭhā bhariyānaṁ,

a maiden is the best of wives,

yo ca puttāna pubbajo”ti.

and a first-born the best of sons.”

“Sambuddho dvipadaṁ seṭṭho,

“A Buddha is the best of bipeds,

ājānīyo catuppadaṁ;

a thoroughbred, the best of quadrupeds,

Sussūsā seṭṭhā bhariyānaṁ,

a good listener is the best of wives,

yo ca puttānamassavo”ti.

and the best of sons is loyal.”