The Great Epic of the Bhārata dynasty 13.1.33

13.1.33

sarpa uvāca |
sarva ete hyasvavaśā daṇḍacakrādayo yathā |
tathāhamapi tasmānme naiṣa heturmatastava || 33 ||

"The serpent said, 'As all these, viz., the potter's wheel, rod, and other things, are not independent causes, even so I am not an independent cause. Therefore, this is no fault of mine, as thou shouldst grant. Shouldst thou think otherwise, then these are to be considered as causes working in unison with one another. For thus working with one other, a doubt arises regarding their relation as cause and effect. Such being the case, it is no fault of mine, nor do I deserve death on this account, nor am I guilty of any sin. Or, if thou thinkest that there is sin (in even such causation), the sin lies in the aggregate of causes.'