Wealth

Poem : 501

How treats he virtue, wealth and pleasure? How, when life's at stake,
Comports himself? This four-fold test of man will full assurance make.

Explanation :
Let (a minister) be chosen, after he has been tried by means of these four things, viz,-his virtue, (love of) money, (love of) sexual pleasure, and tear of (losing) life.

Poem : 502

Of noble race, of faultless worth, of generous pride
That shrinks from shame or stain; in him may king confide.

Explanation :
(The king's) choice should (fall) on him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin).

Poem : 503

Though deeply learned, unflecked by fault, 'tis rare to see,
When closely scanned, a man from all unwisdom free.

Explanation :
When even men, who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance.

Poem : 504

Weigh well the good of each, his failings closely scan,
As these or those prevail, so estimate the man.

Explanation :
Let (a king) consider (a man's) good qualities, as well as his faults, and then judge (of his character) by that which prevails.

Poem : 505

Of greatness and of meanness too,
The deeds of each are touchstone true.

Explanation :
A man's deeds are the touchstone of his greatness and littleness.

Poem : 506

Beware of trusting men who have no kith of kin;
No bonds restrain such men, no shame deters from sin.

Explanation :
Let (a king) avoid choosing men who have no relations; such men have no attachment, and thereforehave no fear of crime.

Poem : 507

By fond affection led who trusts in men of unwise soul,
Yields all his being up to folly's blind control.

Explanation :
To choose ignorant men, through partiality, is the height of folly.

Poem : 508

Who trusts an untried stranger, brings disgrace,
Remediless, on all his race.

Explanation :
Sorrow that will not leave even his posterity will come upon him chooses a stranger whose character he has not known.

Poem : 509

Trust no man whom you have not fully tried,
When tested, in his prudence proved confide.

Explanation :
Let (a king) choose no one without previous consideration; after he has made his choice, let him unhesitatingly select for each such duties as are appropriate.

Poem : 510

Trust where you have not tried, doubt of a friend to feel,
Once trusted, wounds inflict that nought can heal.

Explanation :
To make choice of one who has not been examined, and to entertain doubts respecting one who has been chosen, will produce irremediable sorrow.