Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/142

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

SECTION i

THE PRINCE

CHAPTER 39

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PRINCE

381. He is a lion among princes who is well endowed in respect of the six things : troops, population, substance, council, alliances, and fortifications.

382. Four qualities should never be wanting in the prince, namely, courage, liberality, wisdom, and energy.

383. Behold the men that are destined to rule the earth : the three virtues, alertness, learning, and decision, leave them not.

384. The prince shall not fail in virtue and shall abolish unrighteousness: he shall guard his honour jealously but shall not sin against the laws of valour.

385. The prince shall know how to develop the resources of his kingdom and how to enrich his treasury : how to preserve his wealth and how to spend it worthily.

83