subjects by undue chastisements, and who is rash in his acts, soon meets with destruction.  That king who is not gifted with intelligence fails to see his own faults.  Covered with infamy here, he sinks into hell hereafter.  If the king gives proper honour to them that deserve it, makes gifts, and recognises the value of sweet speeches by himself uttering them on all occasions, his subjects then dispel the calamities that overtake him, as if these had fallen upon themselves.  That king who has no instructor in the ways of righteousness and who never asks others for counsels, and who seeks to acquire wealth by means that caprice suggests, never succeeds in enjoying happiness long.  That king, on the other hand, who listens to the instructions of his preceptors in matters connected with virtue, who supervises the affairs of his kingdom himself, and who in all his acquisitions is guided by considerations of virtue, succeed in enjoying happiness for a long time.’"[276]

SECTION XCIII

“Vamadeva continued, ’When the king, who is powerful, acts unrighteously towards the weak, they who take their birth in his race imitate the same conduct.  Others, again, imitate that wretch who sets sin agoing.  Such imitation of the man ungoverned by restraints soon brings destruction upon the kingdom.  The conduct of a king who is observant of his proper duties, is accepted by men in general as a model for imitation.  The conduct, however, of a king who falls away from his duties, is not tolerated by his very kinsfolk.  That rash king who, disregarding the injunctions laid down in the scriptures, acts with highhandedness in his kingdom, very soon meets with destruction.  That Kshatriya who does not follow the conduct observed from days of old by other Kshatriyas. conquered or unconquered, is said to fall away from Kshatriya duties.  Having seized in battle a royal foe that did some good to the conqueror on a former occasion, that king who does not, actuated by malice, pay him honours, is said to fall away from Kshatriya duties.  The king should display his power, live cheerfully, and do what is necessary in seasons of danger.  Such a ruler becomes the beloved of all creatures and never falls away from prosperity.  If thou doest disservice to any person, thou shouldst, when the turn comes, do him service.  One who is not loved becomes an object of love, if he does what is agreeable.  Untruthful speeches should be avoided.  Thou shouldst do good to others without being solicited.  Thou shouldst never abandon righteousness from lust or wrath or malice.  Do not give harsh answers when questioned by anybody.  Do not utter undignified speeches.  Never be in a hurry to do anything.  Never indulge in malice.  By such means is a foe won over.  Do not give way to exclusive joy when anything agreeable occurs, nor suffer thyself to be overwhelmed with sorrow when anything disagreeable occurs.  Never indulge in grief when thy pecuniary