her as a present from my hand? All Sibis, townsmen and landsmen, would ask: what is the injustice of this deed? Therefore, be pleased to take her, Your Majesty.'
The king replied: 'Verily, you have the intense desire of assisting me. But reflect well upon this: Which of us knows the Law best, the whole of the Sibis, you, or I?'
Then Abhipâraga hastily answered:
37. 'Owing to your assiduous and respectful watching of the wise, and your great regard for sacred lore, and the sagacity of your mind, Your Majesty ranks with Brihaspati as the most competent judge in all matters taught in the sciences concerning the Triad of objects (trivarga).'
The king said: 'This being so, you ought not to mislead me in this matter. Why do I say so?
38. 'The evil and the good of the people depend on the behaviour of their rulers. For this reason, and taking into account the attachment of my subjects, I shall continue to love the Path of the Pious above all, in conformity with my reputation.
39. 'As cows go after the bull in any direction, whether the right or the wrong one, following his steps, in the very same manner the subjects imitate the behaviour of their ruler without any scruple and undauntedly.
'You must take also this into consideration.
40. 'If I should lack the power of ruling my own self, say, into what condition would I bring this people who long for protection from my side?
41. 'Thus considering and regardful of the good of my subjects, my own righteousness, and my spotless fame, I do not allow myself to submit to my passion. I am the leader of my subjects, the bull of my herd.'
Then Abhipâraga, the king's official, appeased by this constancy of the king, bowed his head and reverentially folding his hands, spoke:
42. 'Oh! excessively favoured by Destiny are these subjects, having such a ruler as you are, Illustrious King. Love of Righteousness utterly disregardful of
