Tirukural/Chapter 55

541 Search out, to no one favour show; with heart that justice loves Consult, then act; this is the rule that right approves.

To examine into (the crimes which may be committed), to show no favour (to any one), to desire to act with impartiality towards all, and to inflict (such punishments) as may be wisely resolved on, constitute rectitude.

542 All earth looks up to heav'n whence raindrops fall; All subjects look to king that ruleth all.

When there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive.

543 Learning and virtue of the sages spring, From all-controlling sceptre of the king.

The sceptre of the king is the firm support of the Vedas of the Brahmin, and of all virtues therein described.

544 Whose heart embraces subjects all, lord over mighty land Who rules, the world his feet embracing stands.

The world will constantly embrace the feet of the great king who rules over his subjects with love.

545 Where king, who righteous laws regards, the sceptre wields, There fall the showers, there rich abundance crowns the fields.

Rain and plentiful crops will ever dwell together in the country of the king who sways his sceptre with justice.

546 Not lance gives kings the victory, But sceptre swayed with equity.

It is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king's sceptre, if it do no injustice.

547 The king all the whole realm of earth protects; And justice guards the king who right respects. The king defends the whole world; and justice, when administered without defect, defends the king.

548 Hard of access, nought searching out, with partial hand The king who rules, shall sink and perish from the land.

The king who gives not facile audience (to those who approach him), and who does not examine and pass judgment (on their complaints), will perish in disgrace.

549 Abroad to guard, at home to punish, brings No just reproach; 'tis work assigned to kings.

In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime is not a fault in a king, but a duty.

550 By punishment of death the cruel to restrain, Is as when farmer frees from weeds the tender grain.

For a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn.