That ritual which sprang for the benefit of the pious, was subsequently declared for the sake of all creatures. That ritual has come down from primeval time. It existed even before it was declared. Indeed, O king, listen to me as I recite to you that ritual which affects the gifts of kine.
सतामर्थे सम्यगुत्पादितो यः स वै क्लृप्तः सम्यगाभ्यः प्रजाभ्यः। तस्मात् पूर्वं ह्यादिकालप्रवृत्तं गोदानार्थं शृणु राजन् विधि मे॥