Ja 73 The Story about the Assertion of Truth
(Saccaṅkirajātaka)
In the present Devadatta seeks to kill the Buddha, who tells a story of how he did the same in the past, when, as a wicked king, he had sought to pay back the Bodhisatta who had saved his life by having him killed. When the citizens found out, they killed the wicked king instead, and elected the Bodhisatta as the new king (full story).
1. Saccaṁ kir-evam-āhaṁsu narā ekacciyā idha:
Kaṭṭhaṁ niplavitaṁ seyyo, na tvevekacciyo naro ti.
This is the truth, it seems, that was said by some people in this place: to save a floating log is better, and not a certain person.
In this connection, this is the truth, it seems, that was said means this truthful Lit: non-false. thing, it seems, was spoken.
By some people in this place means by some wise people in this place.
To save a floating log is better, having saved a dried up log floating adrift on a river, and set it on dry land is better, more excellent. Thus they say it seems those people are speaking the truth.
What is the reason? It can be used for cooking conjee, rice and so on, it can be used for warming those suffering from the cold, it can be used for carrying others who are in danger, this is helpful.
Not a certain person, a certain bad person, who betrays his friends, who is ungrateful, having taken him by the hand as he drifts on the ocean, and pulled him out, that is not better. Therefore having saved a bad person, this brings one suffering.