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]
“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
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