Amidst the tens of thousands of names of monarchs that crowd the columns of history, their majesties and graciousnesses and serenities and royal highnesses and the like, the name of Asoka shines, and shines, almost alone, a star. From the Volga to Japan his name is still honoured. China, Tibet, and even India, though it has left his doctrine, preserve the tradition of his greatness. More living men cherish his memory to-day than have ever heard the names of Constantine or Charlemagne.
This quote is from a chapter entitled, The Rise and Spread of Buddism, from Wells' two volume work, The Outline of History. According to some sources, it is from chapter no. 25.4 (Buddhism and Ashoka), page nos. 365-366, of the same work.
Indian connection
Connotations