The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 55
CHAPTER 55
JUST GOVERNMENT
541. Deliberate well and lean not to either side : be impartial and consult with the men of law: that is the way to administer justice.
542. The world looketh up to the rain-cloud for life : even so do men look up to the sceptre of the prince for protection.
543. The sceptre of the prince is the mainstay of the science of the Brâhmans and of righteousness also.
544. Behold the noble prince who ruleth the people of his dominions with loving care : sovereignty will never depart from him.
545. Behold the prince who wieldeth the sceptre in accordance with the law : seasonal rains and rich harvests have their home in his land.
546. It is not the lance that bringeth victory unto the prince: it is rather his sceptre, and that provided it is straight and leaneth not to either side.
547. The prince is the protector of all his people : and him his sceptre shall guard, provided he alloweth it not ever to lean to either side.
548. Behold the prince who is not easy of access and who judgeth not causes with care: he will fall from his place and perish, even when he hath no enemy.
549. Behold the prince that guardeth his subjects from enemies both within and without : if he punish them when they go wrong it is not a blemish: it is his duty.
550. Punishing the wicked with death is like the removing of weeds from the corn-field.
