Tirukural/Chapter 55
541
Search out, to no one favour show; with heart that justice loves
Consult, then act; this is the rule that right approves.
To examine into (the crimes which may be committed), to show no favour (to any one), to desire to act with impartiality towards all, and to inflict (such punishments) as may be wisely resolved on, constitute rectitude.
542
All earth looks up to heav'n whence raindrops fall;
All subjects look to king that ruleth all.
When there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive.
543
Learning and virtue of the sages spring,
From all-controlling sceptre of the king.
The sceptre of the king is the firm support of the Vedas of the Brahmin, and of all virtues therein described.
544
Whose heart embraces subjects all, lord over mighty land
Who rules, the world his feet embracing stands.
The world will constantly embrace the feet of the great king who rules over his subjects with love.
545
Where king, who righteous laws regards, the sceptre wields,
There fall the showers, there rich abundance crowns the fields.
Rain and plentiful crops will ever dwell together in the country of the king who sways his sceptre with justice.
546
Not lance gives kings the victory,
But sceptre swayed with equity.
It is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king's sceptre, if it do no injustice.
547
The king all the whole realm of earth protects;
And justice guards the king who right respects.
The king defends the whole world; and justice, when administered without defect, defends the king.
548
Hard of access, nought searching out, with partial hand
The king who rules, shall sink and perish from the land.
The king who gives not facile audience (to those who approach him), and who does not examine and pass judgment (on their complaints), will perish in disgrace.
549
Abroad to guard, at home to punish, brings
No just reproach; 'tis work assigned to kings.
In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime is not a fault in a king, but a duty.
550
By punishment of death the cruel to restrain,
Is as when farmer frees from weeds the tender grain.
For a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn.