rough and harmful, who takes bribes, is ignorant of books,[1] looks after his own interests, and is ungrateful and given to falsehood.
6.
If foolish persons be appointed ministers, a king suffers three disadvantages: these three without doubt are—loss of fame, loss of prosperity, and falling into hell.
7.
If good and wise ministers be appointed, a king derives three benefits—fame, heaven, and the most exalted prosperity.
8.
Whatever good or bad deed a subject does, that good or bad deed is connected with the king.[2]
9.
Therefore, should a king appoint a minister who is replete with good qualities, and will bring about his present welfare; he should avoid one lacking in excellence.[3]
10.
He should be appointed a judge who is full of family piety and virtue, who maintains the true law, who is full of wisdom, amiable, and shrewd.
11.
He should be appointed treasurer who is of an upright family, who hoards up the treasure, who can appraise all valuables, is virtuous,[4] is a permanent resident and of good character.
- ↑ Such as the Lokanîti, Râjanîti, &c.
- ↑ Gautama, xi. 4, says: "For it is declared (in the Vedas) that he obtains a share of the spiritual merit of his subjects."
- ↑ See Hitopadeśa, iii. 18.
- ↑ That is, one who maintains the five precepts (Pañcaśîlâni)—refraining from taking life, from theft, impurity, falsehood, and spirituous liquors.
