At Sāvatthī. Then King Pasenadi of Kosala went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. Then a man went up to the king and whispered in his ear, “Your Majesty, Queen Mallikā has given birth to a daughter.” When this was said, King Pasenadi was disappointed.

Then, knowing that King Pasenadi was disappointed, on that occasion the Buddha recited these verses:

“Well, some women are better than men, O ruler of the people. Wise and virtuous, a devoted wife whose mother-in-law is her queen.

And when she has a son, he becomes a hero, O lord of the land. The son of such a blessed lady may even rule the realm.”