The Great Epic of the Bhārata dynasty 13.1.53

13.1.53

nirmokṣastvasya doṣasya mayā kāryo yathā tathā |
mṛtyo vidoṣaḥ syāmeva yathā tanme prayojanam || 53 ||

"The serpent said, 'I do not, O Mrityu, blame thee, nor do I absolve thee from all blame. I only aver that I am directed and influenced (in my actions) by thee. If any blame attaches to Kala, or, if it be not desirable to attach any blame to him, it is not for me to scan the fault. We have no right to do so. As it is incumbent on me to absolve myself from this blame, so it is my duty to see that no blame attaches to Mrityu.'