§ 42.

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, so I have heard: "There are these two bright qualities that safeguard the world. Which two? Conscience & concern [for the results of evil actions]. If these two bright qualities did not safeguard the world, there would be no discerning of "mother," "aunt," "uncle's wife," "teacher's wife," or "wife of those deserving respect." The world would fall into promiscuity, like goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, dogs, & jackals. But because these two bright qualities do safeguard the world, there is the discerning of "mother," "aunt," "uncle's wife," "teacher's wife," & "wife of those deserving respect."

Those in whom
concern & conscience
are not always found
    have strayed
        from the bright root,
    are headed
        to birth & death.
But those in whom
concern & conscience
are rightly established always,
who are mature in the holy life:
        they are calm,
    their further becoming
        ended.