Kautilya's Arthashastra 1.9.3

1.9.3

teṣāṃ janapadabhijanam avagrahaṃ cāptataḥ parīkṣeta, samānavidyebhyaḥ śilpaṃ śāstracakṣuṣmattāṃ ca, karmārambheṣu prajñāṃ dhārayiṣṇutāṃ dākṣyaṃ ca, kathāyogeṣu vāgmitvaṃ prāgalbhyaṃ pratibhānavattvaṃ ca, saṃvāsibhyaḥ śīlabalārogyasattvayogam astambham acāpalaṃ ca, pratyakṣataḥ sampriyatvam avairatvaṃ ca //

Of these qualifications, native birth and influential position shall be ascertained from reliable persons; educational qualifications (silpa) from professors of equal learning; theoretical and practical knowledge, foresight, retentive memory, and affability shall be tested from successful, application in works; eloquence, skillfulness and flashing intelligence from power shown in narrating stories (katháyogeshu, i.e., in conversation); endurance, enthusiasm, and bravery in troubles; purity of life, friendly disposition, and loyal devotion by frequent association; conduct, strength, health, dignity, and freedom from indolence and ficklemindedness shall be ascertained from their intimate friends; and affectionate and philanthrophic nature by personal experience.