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First of all, a king, having driven off sleep by song on the harp, should, at the conclusion of the singing, hear the recitation of the blessings, and go to sleep on the arrival of the third watch.

A king, comporting himself suitably, holding up his right hand and appearing thoughtful, remaining gracefully seated and in a good position, and forgetful in his decision whether one is a friend or an enemy, should give a legal judgment.

It is not the characteristic of a king not giving punishment while thinking to himself, "I am replete with forbearance;" by doing so a good king is looked upon as bad. This reflection on the part of others is the occasion for the infliction of punishment.

The pride of low people increases by the display of too much forbearance; by the chastisement of a bad person others should be deterred from acting like him; by chastisement he is made to desist from evil; by chastisement the king bestows happiness.

By a king inflicting punishment on any one others are afraid of acting in the same way; even if unwilling to punish, he should award punishment having regard to future actions.

The tooth-cleaner about which he is ignorant, that which