2.1.6 The Correction of Faults
431 Who arrogance, and wrath, and littleness of low desire restrain, To sure increase of lofty dignity attain. 54 Truly great is the excellence of those (kings) who are free from pride, anger, and lust.
432 A niggard hand, o’erweening self-regard, and mirth Unseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith. Avarice, undignified pride, and low pleasures are faults in a king.
433 Though small as millet-seed the fault men deem; As palm tree vast to those who fear disgrace ’twill seem. Those who fear guilt, if they commit a fault small as a millet seed, will consider it to be as large as a palmyra tree.
434 Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully ‘Gainst these, for fault is fatal enmity. Guard against faults as a matter (of great consequence; for) faults are a deadly enemy.
435 His joy who guards not ‘gainst the coming evil day, Like straw before the fire shall swift consume away. The prosperity of him who does not timely guard against faults, will perish like straw before fire.
436 Faultless the king who first his own faults cures, and then Permits himself to scan faults of other men. What fault will remain in the king who has put away his own evils, and looks after the evils of others.
437 Who leaves undone what should be done, with niggard mind, His wealth shall perish, leaving not a wrack behind. The wealth of the avaricious man, who does not expend it for the purposes for which he ought to expend it will waste away and not continue.
438 The greed of soul that avarice men call, When faults are summed, is worst of all. Griping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (it stands alone – greater than all).
439 Never indulge in self-complaisant mood, Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good. Let no (one) praise himself, at any time; let him not desire to do useless things.
440 If, to your foes unknown, you cherish what you love, Counsels of men who wish you harm will harmless prove. If (a king) enjoys, privately the things which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless. 55
2.1.7 Seeking the Aid of Great Men
441 As friends the men who virtue know, and riper wisdom share, Their worth weighed well, the king should choose with care. Let (a king) ponder well its value, and secure the friendship of men of virtue and of mature knowledge.
442 Cherish the all-accomplished men as friends, Whose skill the present ill removes, from coming ill defends. Let (a king) procure and kindly care for men who can overcome difficulties when they occur, and guard against them before they happen.
443 To cherish men of mighty soul, and make them all their own, Of kingly treasures rare, as rarest gift is known. To cherish great men and make them his own, is the most difficult of all difficult things.
444 To live with men of greatness that their own excels, As cherished friends, is greatest power that with a monarch dwells. So to act as to make those men, his own, who are greater than himself is of all powers the highest.
445 The king, since counsellors are monarch’s eyes, Should counsellors select with counsel wise. As a king must use his ministers as eyes (in managing his kingdom), let him well examine their character and qualifications before he engages them.
446 The king, who knows to live with worthy men allied, Has nought to fear from any foeman’s pride. There will be nothing left for enemies to do, against him who has the power of acting (so as to secure) the fellowship of worthy men.
447 What power can work his fall, who faithful ministers Employs, that thunder out reproaches when he errs. Who are great enough to destroy him who has servants that have power to rebuke him ?
448 The king with none to censure him, bereft of safeguards all, Though none his ruin work, shall surely ruined fall. The king, who is without the guard of men who can rebuke him, will perish, even though there be no one to destroy him.
449 Who owns no principal, can have no gain of usury; Who lacks support of friends, knows no stability. 56 There can be no gain to those who have no capital; and in like manner there can be no permanence to those who are without the support of adherents.
450 Than hate of many foes incurred, works greater woe Ten-fold, of worthy men the friendship to forego. It is tenfold more injurious to abandon the friendship of the good, than to incur the hatred of the many.
2.1.8. Avoiding mean Associations
451 The great of soul will mean association fear; The mean of soul regard mean men as kinsmen dear. (True) greatness fears the society of the base; it is only the low – minded who will regard them as friends.
452 The waters’ virtues change with soil through which they flow; As man’s companionship so will his wisdom show. As water changes (its nature), from the nature of the soil (in which it flows), so will the character of men resemble that of their associates.
453 Perceptions manifold in men are of the mind alone; The value of the man by his companionship is known. The power of knowing is from the mind; (but) his character is from that of his associates.
454 Man’s wisdom seems the offspring of his mind; ‘Tis outcome of companionship we find. Wisdom appears to rest in the mind, but it really exists to a man in his companions.
455 Both purity of mind, and purity of action clear, Leaning no staff of pure companionship, to man draw near. Chaste company is the staff on which come, these two things, viz, purity of mind and purity of conduct.
456 From true pure-minded men a virtuous race proceeds; To men of pure companionship belong no evil deeds. To the pure-minded there will be a good posterity. By those whose associates are pure, no deeds will be done that are not good.
457 Goodness of mind to lives of men increaseth gain; And good companionship doth all of praise obtain. Goodness of mind will give wealth, and good society will bring with it all praise, to men.
458 To perfect men, though minds right good belong, 57 Yet good companionship is confirmation strong. Although they may have great (natural) goodness of mind, yet good society will tend to strengthen it.
459 Although to mental goodness joys of other life belong, Yet good companionship is confirmation strong. Future bliss is (the result) of goodness of mind; and even this acquires strength from the society of the good.
460 Than good companionship no surer help we know; Than bad companionship nought causes direr woe. There is no greater help than the company of the good; there is no greater source of sorrow than the company of the wicked.