has knots, that with leaves, one from a fallen tree, one from the dry bark, that from a stump, and that produced in a village garden—such should not be used by a king.
86.
He should use a tooth-cleaner facing the east and the north; it should be straight, without defect, and half a cubit in length: having washed it well, he should dispose of it in a clean place: while using it, he should not talk.
87.
Should a king not inflict punishment, he comes to grief like an elephant without his mate, a snake without poison, a sword without a scabbard, and a cave without a lion.
88.
People with large stomachs, hands, and feet, being afraid of punishment, pay great honour to a king; being punished severely, they hate him. Awarding punishment compatible with a crime is a means of securing peace.
89.
Punishing the bad, honouring the good, increasing property lawfully, being impartial, and looking after the kingdom—these five things have been declared by the wise as characteristics of a king.
90.
The king when wearied of fighting should tell some ministers equal in liability to himself, "Do you decide matters aright." Daily then should he make inquiries and allow himself proper rest.[1]
- ↑ Manu, vii. 142, has: "When wearied of regarding the affairs of men, let him put in that place the chief of the ministers, knowing law, discerning, subdued, born of a good family."
