AN 6.42

The Buddha explains to Nagita, his attendant, his refusal to accept homage by a series of images progressively pointing out the disadvantages of proximity to society and the advantages of solitude.

Read the Sutta

Index to available translations: AN 6.42

See also: AN 8.86, AN 5.30
Hare's translation of the end of this sutta does not make sense. He has:

But when walking along the highway, Nāgita,
I see nothing whatever in front nor behind,
it suits me,
even over the calls of nature.'

The Pāḷi: Yasmāhaɱ Nāgita samaye addhāna-magga-paṭipanno||
na kañci passāmi purato vā pacchato vā,|| phāsu me Nāgita tasmiɱ samaye||
hoti antamaso uccāra-passāva-kammāyā" ti.

MO: At such a time, Nāgita,
as I am walking along the highway
and there is no one whatsoever to be seen
either ahead or behind,
I am comfortable at such a time
even in passing water and passing matter.

Bhk. Bodhi also misreads and miswrites:

"When, Nāgita I am traveling on a highway and do not see anyone ahead of me or behind me, even if it is for the purpose of defecating and urinating, on that occasion I am at ease.

Bhk. Thanissaro has the sense of it:

But when I am traveling along a road and see no one in front or behind me, at that time I have my ease, even when urinating and defecating.

The sutta is about the advantages of solitude over the enjoyments of gains, favors and flattery and this is about as strong a statement as can be made concerning such.

Put yourself in the position of a king, or famous person, constantly surrounded by a following, who finds himself needing to ... um ... answer the calls of nature.