The Great Epic of the Bhārata dynasty 2.14.2

2.14.2

gṛhe gṛhe hi rājānaḥ svasya svasya priyaṃkarāḥ |
na ca sāmrājyamāptāste samrāṭśabdo hi kṛtsnabhāk || 2 ||

"Yudhishthira said,--"Intelligent as thou art, thou hast said what none else is capable of saying. There is none else on earth who is settler of all doubts. Behold, there are kings in every province employed in benefiting their respective selves. But no one amongst them hath been able to achieve the imperial dignity. Indeed, the title emperor is difficult of acquisition. He that knoweth the valour and strength of others never applaudeth himself.