Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 33.2.2

33.2.2

" but, said this holy man, a king can only be saved "from perdition by the exercise of four duties, and if there be a deficiency in any one of these, no mortal will be subject to more rigid scrutiny, or meet with less mercy on the day of judgment." These duties are, 1st, "To assume dignity, and exercise power at proper seasons, and allow nothing to induce him to forget the majesty of God, or the happiness of his subjects. 2dly, Not to permit immorality and indecency to be openly practised within his realm, without imposing heavy fines, or some other punishment. 3dly, To make selections from men of character for the offices of government, and not to permit men of notoriously vicious habits to find an asylum within his realm. 4thly, To be patient and just in the administration of justice. These are the rules," said this Prince, "which I have adopted for my own conduct; they are those on which I hope my successor will also act; and I warn you, that, although you are my own children, you will meet with no consideration on that account, if you infringe the laws of the empire."