kings, women, and creepers generally lay hold of what is nearest to them.'
" Besides this—
" ' A man may be learned, energetic, skilful, ambitious, well versed in all his duties, but he' is nothing without the prince's favour. A man may be nobly born, possessed of ability, but if he does not pay court to the prince he may just as well spend his life in begging or perpetual penance. One who falls into the power of diseases, crocodiles or kings, and the stupid man who does not know how to get out of a difficulty, will never keep his position in life.'
" For it has been said —
" ' Kings are as nothing to those wise and skilful persons who by their power bring lions, tigers, serpents and elephants into subjection. But — men who are wise rely on the king's favour, and so attain to eminence. The sandal grove can only flourish on Mount Malaya.'
"All the insignia of rank, — parasols, elephants, horses, are given by the king to those whom he delights to honour. You are the object of the king's affection and honour, therefore, my dear father, do not be downcast. The chief minister's duty is to clear up, from time to time, all the doubts which beset the king's mind, Therefore cheer
