to increase the other sources of his wealth, to the best possible advantage. If any one fails to observe this duty, and thinks that the estate was obtained by his ancestors for his sake alone, he and his children will be ruined and the estate will be gradually sold to others. His subjects also, who have laboured for generations, would therefore be compelled to serve another master. There is no occasion, then, to praise a man when he performs his duty. On the other hand, if he fails to perform it, he deserves to be blamed.
"Again, why did my parents adopt me as their son when they had no children? Firstly, to perform their funeral rites and other subsequent ceremonies, so that they might obtain heaven, as is the Hindu belief; secondly, to perpetuate their family; thirdly, to rule over their estate and people, to the best possible advantage; fourthly, to continue the good and charitable institutions, founded by them and their predecessors; and fifthly, to finish the
