12.118
Bhīṣma said.
He, as a dog, reverted to his original nature and fell into utter misery. The sinner, rebuked by the sage, was expelled from the penance-grove.
Thus, the wise king, having discerned character and purity, uprightness, nature, goodness, family, conduct, learning, and self-restraint.
Those servants who possess compassion, strength, energy, good disposition, tranquility, and forbearance, and who are qualified for their place, should be appointed there if they are well-trained.
A king should not appoint a servant without proper examination. A king surrounded by men of ignoble lineage does not attain happiness.
A person of noble birth, by nature and recognized by the king for that nobility, never inclines his mind toward evil; even when blamed, he remains faultless.
But if an ordinary man not of noble family attains rare prosperity due to the destruction of good people, he, being blamed, may become the object of enmity.
He should be of noble lineage, educated, wise, skilled in knowledge and science, a knower of the essence of all śāstras, patient, and a native as well.
He is grateful, powerful, forbearing, self-controlled, has conquered his senses, is not greedy, is content with what he obtains, and wishes to please his master and friends.
A minister should be knowledgeable of place and time, diligent in gathering all resources, respected, attentive, a well-wisher, and tireless in his duties.
He is proper in conduct within his own domain, skilled in making and breaking alliances, knowledgeable in the three aims of life for a king, and beloved by both the citizens and the people of the country.
He knows the principles of assailants and battle formations, is skilled in inspiring strength; he understands the principles of gestures and forms, and is adept in the science of marches and vehicles.
In the science of elephant-training, the ideal person is one who understands the principles, is free from arrogance, bold, skilful, self-restrained, strong, and acts with propriety.
He was clear, surrounded by pure people, well-dressed, pleasant to look at, a leader skilled in policy, endowed with sixty virtues.
One should be unassuming, humble, capable, gentle in speech, steadfast, polite, greatly prosperous, and act appropriately according to place and time.
He who appoints a minister and does not disregard him, his kingdom expands like the moonlight of the moon.
A king who possesses these qualities, is an expert in śāstra, should be chosen—he who is supremely devoted to dharma and to the protection of his people.
He is steadfast, patient, pure, quick to act at the right time, knowledgeable about human effort, eager to listen, well-versed in what is heard, a good listener, and skilled in reasoning and refutation.
He who is intelligent, endowed with retention, establishes what is proper, is self-restrained, always speaks pleasantly, and is forbearing even in adversity.
He is self-reliant in distributing gifts, has well-guarded entrances, is pleasing to look at, always helps the distressed directly, values trusted people, and is devoted to good governance.
I am not one who argues, nor am I free from dualities, nor do I cause anything whatsoever. In what is done, I am the doer of those whose actions are not in vain, and I am dear to servants and people.
He is always surrounded by people, unshaken, with a clear face, ever a giver, observant of his servants, not prone to anger, and of very great mind.
He should always be one who metes out appropriate punishment, not one who is without punishment, who enforces righteous actions, who has spies as his eyes, who observes others, and who is skilled in righteousness and wealth.
The king should possess hundreds of virtues and be worthy of desire; likewise, O king of men, the warriors should be endowed with every noble quality.
A king who desires the growth of his kingdom should seek out good men, helpers, and supporters of the kingdom, and should not disrespect them.
They are warriors, skilled in battle, grateful, adept in weapons, versed in the law scriptures, and accompanied by foot soldiers.
This earth belongs to that king in whom wealth and honor have increased, who is skilled in chariot-driving and adept in the use of arrows and weapons.
A king who is always engaged in gathering all, diligent and rich in friends, is the best among kings.
O Bhārata, it is possible to conquer the entire earth with a thousand horses, a heroic rider, and a united man.
