THE KURAL
566. If the prince is harsh of word and unforgiving, his prosperity, be it ever so great, will come to an end quickly.
567. Words that are harsh and punishments that are excessive are the files that file away the iron of power.
568. Behold the prince who will not take counsel with his councillors but who falleth into a passion when his projects fail : his prosperity will wane away.
569. Behold the prince who looketh not to his defences while yet there is time : when he is surprised by a war be will be seized with trembling and perish quickly.
570. The tyranny that yoketh to itself charlatans is the only burden under which the earth groaneth : there is none other beside.
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