Bhagavatapurana 6.3.6

6.3.6

kintu śāstṛbahutve syādbahūnāmiha karmiṇām /
śāstṛtvamupacāro hi yathā maṇḍalavartinām //

6. But if there be a plurality of rulers severally dealing with many and different creatures that are engaged in their own several activities, the authority of a ruler would be only nominal and limited as in the case of an empire or kingdom where many are invested with equal and independent power.