Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c14.s2.12

c14.s2.12

*not grasp this truth to its full extent*.¹ Some individual, perchance, pays heed, but to a part only, not the whole. See then to this, for the principle of government is well established. *Again, it happens that some individual incurs imprisonment or torture, and when the result is his imprisonment without due cause, many other people are deeply grieved. In such a case you must desire to do justice*² ...and for this purpose, in accordance with the Law of Piety, I shall send forth in rotation every five years such persons (Mahāmātras) as are of mild and temperate disposition, and regardful of the sanctity of life, who knowing this my purpose will comply with my instructions.³ From Ujjain, however, the Prince for this purpose will send out a similar body of officials and will not over-pass three years. *In the same way from Taxila.*"