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Many people, although they strive much, are not successful in obtaining unripe fruits placed in an inaccessible place; when the fruit falls of itself and is got without trouble, it is full of juice and is eaten with pleasure.

Hearing the admonition of the wise, paying attention to good words, receiving education, retaining knowledge, looking on both sides, comprehending the meaning, understanding its purport—these are seven characteristics of the wise.

A rampant elephant, powerful and possessed of noble qualities, although alone, destroys a whole army: a king, victorious among elephants, is like the driver's hook; therefore is he known to be stronger than an elephant.

A wise king should acquire knowledge for the purpose of keeping control; he should practise restraint for virtue's sake: to attain Nibbân he should follow the precepts, and for almsgiving and personal sustenance he should accumulate wealth.

A king who bears in mind this treatise, he, by knowing the devices for the conquest of enemies and by being free from anxiety, overcomes the whole earth and enjoys the bliss of heaven.