Tirukural/Chapter 57

561 Who punishes, investigation made in due degree, So as to stay advance of crime, a king is he. He is a king who having equitably examined (any injustice which has been brought to his notice), suitably punishes it, so that it may not be again committed.

562 For length of days with still increasing joys on Heav'n who call, Should raise the rod with brow severe, but let it gently fall.

Let the king, who desires that his prosperity may long remain, commence his preliminary enquires with strictness, and then punish with mildness.

563 Where subjects dread of cruel wrongs endure, Ruin to unjust king is swift and sure.

The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin.

564 'Ah! cruel is our king', where subjects sadly say, His age shall dwindle, swift his joy of life decay. The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened.

565 Whom subjects scarce may see, of harsh forbidding countenance; His ample wealth shall waste, blasted by demon's glance.

The great wealth of him who is difficult of access and possesses a sternness of countenance, is like that which has been obtained by a devil.

566 The tyrant, harsh in speach and hard of eye, His ample joy, swift fading, soon shall die.

The abundant wealth of the king whose words are harsh and whose looks are void of kindness, will instantly perish instead of abiding long, with him.

567 Harsh words and punishments severe beyond the right, Are file that wears away the monarch's conquering might.

Severe words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king's power for destroying (his enemies).

568 Who leaves the work to those around, and thinks of it no more; If he in wrathful mood reprove, his prosperous days are o'er!

The prosperity of that king will waste away, who without reflecting (on his affairs himself), commits them to his ministers, and (when a failure occurs) gives way to anger, and rages against them.

569 Who builds no fort whence he may foe defy, In time of war shall fear and swiftly die.

The king who has not provided himself with a place of defence, will in times of war be seized with fear and quickly perish.

570 Tyrants with fools their counsels share: Earth can no heavier burthen bear!

The earth bears up no greater burden than ignorant men whom a cruel sceptre attaches to itself (as the ministers of its evil deeds).