The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 74
CHAPTER 74
THE COUNTRY
731. That is the great country which never faileth in its yield of harvests, and which is the abode of sages and of rich men that are worthy.
732. That is the great country which attracteth men to itself by the greatness of its wealth and which yieldeth abundantly for that it is free from pests.
733. Behold the great nation : even if burdens upon burdens press down upon it, it will support them bravely and pay its taxes in full withal.
734. That is the great country which is free from famines and plagues, and which is safe from the invasions of enemies.
735. That is the great nation which is not divided into warring sects, which is free from murderous anarchists, and which hath no traitors within its bosom to ruin it.
736. Behold the land that hath known no devastation by its foes, and which, even should it suffer any, would not bate one whit in its yield: it will be called a jewel among the countries of the world.
737. The waters of the surface, the waters that flow underground, rain-water, well-situated mountains, and strong fortifications, these are indispensable to every country.
738. Wealth, richness of yield, happiness, immunity from diseases, and safety from invasions, these five are the ornaments of a kingdom.
739. That alone deserveth to be called country which produceth abundantly without the labour of the people : that which yieldeth only unto labour deserveth not that name.
740. Even if a country hath all these blessings it is worth nothing if it is not blessed in its ruler.