Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/175

 546. It is not the lance that bringeth victory unto the prince: it is rather his sceptre, and that provided it is straight and leaneth not to either side.

547. The prince is the protector of all his people : and him his sceptre shall guard, provided he alloweth it not ever to lean to either side.

548. Behold the prince who is not easy of access and who judgeth not causes with care: he will fall from his place and perish, even when he hath no enemy.

549. Behold the prince that guardeth his subjects from enemies both within and without : if he punish them when they go wrong it is not a blemish: it is his duty.

550. Punishing the wicked with death is like the removing of weeds from the corn-field. Rh