2.2.5. The Envoy
681 Benevolence high birth, the courtesy kings love:- These qualities the envoy of a king approve. The qualification of an ambassador are affection (for his relations) a fitting birth, and the possession of attributes pleasing to royalty.
682 Love, knowledge, power of chosen words, three things, Should he possess who speaks the words of kings. Love (to his sovereign), knowledge (of his affairs), and a discriminating power of speech (before other sovereigns) are the three sine qua non qualifications of an ambassador.
683 Mighty in lore amongst the learned must he be, Midst jav’lin-bearing kings who speaks the words of victory. 83 To be powerful in politics among those who are learned (in ethics) is the character of him who speaks to lance-bearing kings on matters of triumph (to his own sovereign).
684 Sense, goodly grace, and knowledge exquisite. Who hath these three for envoy’s task is fit. He may go on a mission (to foreign rulers) who has combined in him all these three. viz., (natural) sense, an attractive bearing and well-tried learning.
685 In terms concise, avoiding wrathful speech, who utters pleasant word, An envoy he who gains advantage for his lord. He is an ambassador who (in the presence of foreign rulers) speaks briefly, avoids harshness, talks so as to make them smile, and thus brings good (to his own sovereign).
686 An envoy meet is he, well-learned, of fearless eye Who speaks right home, prepared for each emergency. He is an ambassador who having studied (politics) talks impressively, is not afraid of angry looks, and knows (to employ) the art suited to the time.
687 He is the best who knows what’s due, the time considered well, The place selects, then ponders long ere he his errand tell. He is chief (among ambassadors) who understands the proper decorum (before foreign princes), seeks the (proper) occasion, knows the (most suitable) place, and delivers his message after (due) consideration.
688 Integrity, resources, soul determined, truthfulness. Who rightly speaks his message must these marks possess. The qualifications of him who faithfully delivers his (sovereign’s) message are purity, the support (of foreign ministers), and boldness, with truthfulness in addition to the (aforesaid) three.
689 His faltering lips must utter no unworthy thing, Who stands, with steady eye, to speak the mandates of his king. He alone is fit to communicate (his sovereign’s) reply, who possesses the firmness not to utter even inadvertently what may reflect discredit (on the latter).
690 Death to the faithful one his embassy may bring; To envoy gains assured advantage for his king. He is the ambassador who fearlessly seeks his sovereign’s good though it should cost him his life (to deliver his message).
2.2.6. Conduct in the Presence of the King
691 Who warm them at the fire draw not too near, nor keep too much aloof; 84 Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof. Ministers who serve under fickle-minded monarchs should, like those who warm themselves at the fire, be neither (too) far, nor (too) near.
692 To those who prize not state that kings are wont to prize, The king himself abundant wealth supplies. For ministers not to cover the things desired by their kings will through the kings themselves yield them everlasting wealth.
693 Who would walk warily, let him of greater faults beware; To clear suspicions once aroused is an achievement rare. Ministers who would save themselves should avoid (the commission of) serious errors for if the king’s suspicion is once roused, no one can remove it.
694 All whispered words and interchange of smiles repress, In presence of the men who kingly power possess. While in the presence of the sovereign, ministers should neither whisper to nor smile at others.
695 Seek not, ask not, the secret of the king to hear; But if he lets the matter forth, give ear! (When the king is engaged) in secret counsel (with others), ministers should neither over-hear anything whatever nor pry into it with inquisitive questions, but (wait to) listen when it is divulged (by the king himself).
696 Knowing the signs, waiting for fitting time, with courteous care, Things not displeasing, needful things, declare. Knowing the (king’s disposition and seeking the right time, (the minister) should in a pleasing manner suggest things such as are desirable and not disagreeable.
697 Speak pleasant things, but never utter idle word; Not though by monarch’s ears with pleasure heard. Ministers should (always) give agreeable advice but on no occasion recommend useless actions, though requested (to do so).
698 Say not, ‘He’s young, my kinsman,’ despising thus your king; But reverence the glory kingly state doth bring. Ministers should behave in accordance with the (Divine) light in the person of kings and not despise them saying, “He is our junior (in age) and connected with our family!”.
699 ‘We’ve gained his grace, boots nought what graceless acts we do’, So deem not sages who the changeless vision view. 85 Those whose judgement is firm will not do what is disagreeable (to the sovereign) saying (within themselves) “We are esteemed by the king”.
700 Who think ‘We’re ancient friends’ and do unseemly things; To these familiarity sure ruin brings. The (foolish) claim with which a minister does unbecoming acts because of his (long) familiarity (with the king) will ensure his ruin.