Riyaz al-salatin 41.8

41.8

And at the time of departure, the Emperor giving his son some parting advice, said: "It is not discreet for the king of Lakhnauti, be he a relation or a stranger, to quarrel with or rebel against the Emperor of Delhi. And if the Emperor of Delhi marches to Lakhnauti, the ruler of Lakhnauti should retreating take refuge in some distant corner, and when the Emperor of Delhi withdraws, he should return to Lakhnauti, and resume his work. And in the levy of revenue from subjects, he should observe the middle course, that is, he should not levy such a low amount, that they should become refractory and disloyal, nor such an excessive amount, that they should be ground down and oppressed. And he should pay such an amount of salary to his officers, that it may suffice for them from year to year, and that they may not be pinched in regard to their necessary expenses. In matters of administration, he should take counsel with wise people who are sincere and loyal; and in the enforcement of orders, he should abstain from self-indulgence, and should not act unjustly from selfishness. In the care for the condition of the army, he should not be negligent, and he should consider it incumbent upon himself to show them considerateness and to win their hearts, and he should not allow negligence and indolence to intervene. And whoever tempts you away from this course, you should look upon him as your enemy, and you should not listen to his talk.