321.

What is the work of virtue? 'Not to kill [unjustly]'

For 'killing' leads to every work of ill.

322.

Let those that need partake your meal; guard everything that lives:

This the chief and sum of lore that hoarded wisdom gives.

323.

Alone, first of good things, is 'not to slay [unjustly]';

The second is, no untrue word to say.

324.

You ask, What is the good and perfect way?

'Tis path of him who studies nought to slay [unjustly].

325.

Of those who 'being' dread, and all renounce, the chief are they,

Who, dreading crime of slaughter, study nought to slay [unjustly].

326.

Ev'n death, that life devours, their happy days shall spare,

Who law, 'Thou shalt not kill [unjustly],' uphold with reverent care.

327.

Though thine own life for that spared life the price must pay,

Take not [unjustly] from aught that lives gift of sweet life away.

328.

Though great the gain of good should seem, the wise

Will any gain by [unjust] slaughter won despise.

329.

Whose trade is 'killing [unjustly],' always vile they show,

To minds of them who what is vileness know.

330.

Who lead a loathed life in bodies sorely pained,

Are men, the wise declare, by guilt of [unjust] slaughter stained.