The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 39
PART II
WEALTH
SECTION i
THE PRINCE
CHAPTER 39
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PRINCE
381. He is a lion among princes who is well endowed in respect of the six things : troops, population, substance, council, alliances, and fortifications.
382. Four qualities should never be wanting in the prince, namely, courage, liberality, wisdom, and energy.
383. Behold the men that are destined to rule the earth : the three virtues, alertness, learning, and decision, leave them not.
384. The prince shall not fail in virtue and shall abolish unrighteousness: he shall guard his honour jealously but shall not sin against the laws of valour.
385. The prince shall know how to develop the resources of his kingdom and how to enrich his treasury : how to preserve his wealth and how to spend it worthily.
386. If the prince is accessible to all his subjects and is never harsh of word, his kingdom will be esteemed above every other.
387. Behold the prince who can give with grace and rule with love : his name will fill the world.
388. Behold the prince who administereth impartial justice and protecteth his subjects: he shall be called a God among men.
389. Behold the prince who hath the virtue to bear with words that are bitter to the ear: the world will rest permanently under his umbrella.
390. Behold the prince who is liberal and gracious and just, and who tendeth his people with care : he is a light among kings.
