Tirukural/Chapter 52

511 Who good and evil scanning, ever makes the good his joy; Such man of virtuous mood should king employ.

He should be employed (by a king), whose nature leads him to choose the good, after having weighed both the evil and the good in any undertaking.

512 Who swells the revenues, spreads plenty o'er the land, Seeks out what hinders progress, his the workman's hand. Let him do (the king's) work who can enlarge the sources (of revenue), increase wealth and considerately prevent the accidents (which would destroy it).

513 A loyal love with wisdom, clearness, mind from avarice free; Who hath these four good gifts should ever trusted be.

Let the choice (of a king) fall upon him who largely possesses these four things, love, knowledge, a clear mind and freedom from covetousness.

514 Even when tests of every kind are multiplied, Full many a man proves otherwise, by action tried!

Even when (a king) has tried them in every possible way, there are many men who change, from the nature of the works (in which they may be employed).

515 No specious fav'rite should the king's commission bear, But he that knows, and work performs with patient care. (A king's) work can only be accomplished by a man of wisdom and patient endurance; it is not of a nature to be given to one from mere personal attachment.

516 Let king first ask, 'Who shall the deed perform?' and 'What the deed?' Of hour befitting both assured, let every work proceed.

Let (a king) act, after having considered the agent (whom he is to employ), the deed (he desires to do), and the time which is suitable to it.

517 'This man, this work shall thus work out,' let thoughtful king command; Then leave the matter wholly in his servant's hand. After having considered, "this man can accomplish this, by these means", let (the king) leave with him the discharge of that duty.

518 As each man's special aptitude is known, Bid each man make that special work his own.

Having considered what work a man is fit for, let (the king) employ him in that work.

519 Fortune deserts the king who ill can bear, Informal friendly ways of men his tolls who share.

Prosperity will leave (the king) who doubts the friendship of the man who steadily labours in the discharge of his duties.

520 Let king search out his servants' deeds each day; When these do right, the world goes rightly on its way.

Let a king daily examine the conduct of his servants; if they do not act crookedly, the world will not act crookedly.