The Great Epic of the Bhārata dynasty 1.84.3

1.84.3

aṣṭaka uvāca |
avādīścedvayasā yaḥ sa vṛddha iti rājannābhyavadaḥ kathaṃcit |
yo vai vidvānvayasā sansma vṛddhaḥ sa eva pūjyo bhavati dvijānām || 3 ||

"Ashtaka then replied, 'Thou sayest, O monarch, that he who is older in years is worthy of regard. But it is said that he is truly worthy of worship who is superior in learning and ascetic merit.'