leave that kingdom, like poisoned meat, where one sees Brahmanas obliged to betake themselves to unholy practices, being tortured by want of the means of life.  With a contented heart and deeming all his wishes as already gratified a righteous man should dwell in that country whose inhabitants cheerfully give away before even they are solicited.  One should live and move about, among good men devoted to acts of righteousness, in that country where chastisement falleth upon those that are wicked and where respect and good offices are the portion of those that are of subdued and cleansed souls.  One should unhesitatingly dwell in that country whose king is devoted to virtue and which the king rules virtuously, casting off desires and possessed of prosperity, and where severe chastisement is dealt to those that visit self-controlled men with the consequences of their wrath, those that act wickedly towards the righteous, those that are given to acts of violence, and those that are covetous.[1476] Kings endued with such a disposition bring about prosperity to those that dwell in their kingdoms when prosperity is on the point of leaving them.[1477] I have thus told thee, O son, in answer to thy enquiry, what is beneficial or excellent.  No one can describe, in consequence of its exceedingly high character, what is beneficial or excellent for the Soul.[1478] Many and high will the excellences be, through the observance of the duties laid down for him, of the man who for earning his livelihood during the time of his sojourn here conducts himself in the way indicated above and who devotes his soul to the good of all creatures.’"[1479]

SECTION CCLXXXIX

“Yudhishthira said, ’How, O grandsire, should a king like us behave in this world, keeping in view the great object of acquisition?  What attributes, again, should he always possess so that he may be freed from attachments?’

“Bhishma said, ’I shall in this connection recite to thee the old narrative that was uttered by Arishtanemi unto Sagara who had sought his counsel.’

“Sagara said, ’What is that good, O Brahmana, by doing which one may enjoy felicity here?  How, indeed, may one avoid grief and agitation?  I wish to know all this!’

“Bhishma continued, ’Thus addressed by Sagara, Arishtanemi of Tarkshya’s race, conversant with all the scriptures, regarding the questioner to be every way deserving of his instructions, said these words,[1480] ’The felicity of Emancipation is true felicity in the world.  The man of ignorance knows it not, attached as he is to children and animals and possessed of wealth and corn.  An understanding that is attached to worldly objects and a mind suffering from thirst,—­these two baffle all skilful treatment.  The ignorant man who is bound in the chains of affection is incapable of acquiring Emancipation.[1481] I shall presently speak to thee of all the bonds that spring from the affections.  Hear them with attention.