362. THE sage observed, He who is cited to appear before the king feels the extent of the whole realm a dungeon.

363. He used to say, Give due reverence to God, obedience to the king, and let your conduct towards your fellow-men be affable.

364. The king and the law are twins; the one is indispensable to the other.

365. The sage continued, Dwell not in a city which lacks a venerated king, a righteous judge, a skilful physician, an established market, and a navigable river.

366. A king may be compared to a fire—at too great a distance we feel its want, when too nigh we scorch.

367. If the king is opposed to thee, restrain thy words, for thou wilt surely be vanquished.

368. The most worthless part of wealth is that which is unemployed; the most worthless of companions is the seducer; the most worthless of kings is he whom the innocent dread; and the most worthless country is that which, though fertile¹ yet affords its inhabitants no safety.

footnotes: ¹ Or, which affords neither fertility nor safety.

369. A righteous king is more advantageous to his subjects than the most fruitful season.

370. The friendship of a king, though it confers dignity and honour, is like a lofty and steep mountain, abounding in delicious and refreshing fruits, but overrun with ferocious beasts—its ascent is toilsome, and the dwelling thereon doubly so.

371. Against the injustice of our fellow-men we appeal to the king, but against that of the king where is our redress?