Buddhacarita by Ven Asvaghosa - Ancient Buddhist Texts

Buddha-carita, or Life of Buddha - 31
38. He only spoke what was pleasant and not unprofitable; he
discoursed about what was true and not ill-natured, he could not speak
even to himself for very shame a false pleasant thing or a harsh truth.
39. In things which required to be done, whether they were pleasant
or disagreeable, he found no reason either for desire or dislike; he
pursued the advantageous which could be attained without litigation;
he did not so highly value sacrifice.
40. When a suppliant came to him with a petition, he at once hastened
to quench his thirst with the water sprinkled on his gift; and without
fighting, by the battle-axe of his demeanour he smote down the
arrogant armed with double pride.
41. Thus he took away the one, and protected the seven; he abandoned
the seven and kept the five; he obtained the set of three and learned
the set of three; he understood the two and abandoned the two.
42. Guilty persons, even though he had sentenced them to death, he
did not cause to be killed nor even looked on them with anger; he
bound them with gentle words and with the reform produced in their
character, – even their release was accompanied by no inflicted
injury.
43. He performed great religious vows prescribed by ancient seers; he
threw aside hostile feelings long cherished; he acquired glory redolent
with the fragrance of virtue; he relinquished all passions involving
defilement.