iti - thus; prabhāṣya - giving his statement; pānīyam - drinking water; mriyamāṇaḥ - although on the verge of death; pipāsayā - because of thirst; pulkasāya - unto the low-class caṇḍāla; adadāt - delivered; dhīraḥ - sober; nisarga-karuṇaḥ - by nature very kind; nṛpaḥ - the King.

Having spoken thus, King Rantideva, although on the verge of death because of thirst, gave his own portion of water to the caṇḍāla without hesitation, for the King was naturally very kind and sober.