The Book of Akbar 378.1

378.1

Worship and devotion are incumbent on every class of the sons of Adam, and the worship which befits the household of sovereignty, and the thanksgiving which is prescribed for the princely dispensers of justice is that they be continually meditating the tranquillity of their subjects ; that they apply their royal energies to the raising up of the injured and oppressed ; and that they free the heads of those distressed ones from the heavy burden of tyrants and troublers. First, let them take proper measures for appointing right-thinking, right-speaking intelligencers. If the collecting of such a band cause delay, let them, by the strength of their understanding and foresight, appoint individuals who have no mutual acquaintance, and let them by this excellent means learn the characters of high and low. Secondly, let them bring to bear that steady contemplation which has in it a divine illumination, and let them observe right reason both in their wrath and in their levity. Thirdly, let them by every method, which their lofty intelligence may suggest practise extensive views and wide sagacity, and give power and influence to men of talent who have partaken of the sweet waters of sincerity, and let them increase their authority and preserve their own dignity. Let them not take microscopic views on great occasions, and let them treat every member of the tribe of the disloyal according to his deserts.