Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c13.30

c13.30

Fearless he guarded, duty's path
He strictly followed, wealth he stored, nor grudged
To spend that wealth, and unenthralled enjoyed
His royal pleasures : wise, he spared his words,
Slightly yet patient, generous secretly,
Opposed virtues seemed in him twin-born,
By sense unshackled, straining Brahına-wards,
By duty curbed he pleasure,—that his age
Brought no decay. For nurture, maintenance
And for protection looked his folk to him,
Their parents gave life only. So the king
Repressed the sinful, held the world upright,
Loved virtue, wedded for the Father's sake,
Kept righteous ways. As Indra doth for corn,
He drew from Earth her wealth for Sacrifice,—
And both alternate mildly ruled the Worlds,
His glory other Kings despaired to reach,
For theft, ungrasping, lived in name alone.
A worthy foe he honoured, as one sick
Loves healing bitters ; friends unworthy proved
Like hand snake-bitten did the King cast off,
Him the Creator formed of choicest seed,
To rear for men rich crop of good ; alone
He reigned over earth, sea-moated, girdled round
By ocean-ramparts, like a single town.”
Again,
It is Kṣatriya's duty to save others from harm
...... Whoe'er betrays that trust
Would forget Royal State and earn full scorn.” ¹