in the world who, having listened to counsels of wisdom, accepts them, abandoning his own opinions.  That king who does not tolerate the counsels of a well-wisher in consequence of their opposition to his own views, who listens with inattention to what is said unto him in opposition to his views, and who does not always follow the conduct of high and noble persons conquered or unconquered, is said to fall away from the duties of Kshatriyas.  From ministers that have once been chastised, from women in especial, from mountains and inaccessible regions, from elephants and horses and reptiles, the king should always, with heedfulness, protect his own self.[278] That king who, abandoning his chief ministers, makes favourites of low persons, soon falls into distress, and never succeeds in compassing the (intended) ends of his measures.  That king of infirm soul, who, yielding to the influence of wrath and malice, does not love and honour those amongst his kinsmen that are possessed of good qualities, is said to live on the very verge of destruction.  That king, who attaches to himself accomplished persons by doing good to them even though he may not like them at heart, succeeds in enjoying fame for ever.  Thou shouldst never impose taxes unseasonably.  Thou shouldst not be grieved at the occurrence of anything disagreeable, nor rejoice exceedingly at anything agreeable.  Thou shouldst always set thyself to the accomplishment of good acts.  Who amongst the dependent kings is truly devoted to thee, and who is loyal to thee from fear, and who amongst them has faults, should always be ascertained by thee.  The king, even if he be powerful, should trust them that are weak, for in moments of heedlessness the weak may assail the powerful like a flock of vultures seizing their prey.  A man of sinful soul seeks to injure his master even if the latter be sweet-speeched and possessed of every accomplishment.  Do not, therefore, place thy confidence upon such men.  Nahusha’s son Yayati, in declaring the mysteries of king-craft, said that a person engaged in ruling men should slay even foes that are contemptible.’”

SECTION XCIV

“Vamadeva said, ’The king should win victories without battles.  Victories achieved by battles are not spoken of highly.  O monarch, by the wise.  When the sovereign’s own power has not been confirmed, he should not seek to make new acquisitions.  It is not proper that a king whose power has not been consolidated should seek to make such acquisitions.  The power of that king whose dominions are wide and abound with wealth, whose subjects are loyal and contented, and who has a large number of officers, is said to be confirmed.  That king whose soldiery are contented, gratified (with pay and prize), and competent to deceive foes can with even a small force subjugate the whole earth.  The power of that king whose subjects, whether belonging to the cities or the provinces, have compassion for all creatures, and possessed of