Chandragupta Maurya and His Times c7.42

c7.42

Testimony of Megasthenes. That all this programme of the king's daily duties was not meant as a mere counsel of perfection is indicated by what Magasthenes reports on the subject. Megasthenes saw with his own eyes how busy the king, Chandragupta, was, and how he was found always engaged in public work. He states: "The king may not sleep during the day time. He leaves his palace not only in time of war but also for the purpose of judging causes. He then remains in court for the whole day without allowing the business to be interrupted, even though the hour arrives when he must needs attend to his person" [McCrindle, *Ancient India*, p. 58]. Curtius [VIII. 9] also adds: "The palace is open to all comers, even when the king is having his hair combed and dressed. It is then that he gives audience to ambassadors, and administers justice to his subjects." [*Ib.*].