Wealth

Poem : 561

Who punishes, investigation made in due degree,
So as to stay advance of crime, a king is he.

Explanation :
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.

Poem : 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.

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

Poem : 563

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

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

Poem : 564

'Ah! cruel is our king', where subjects sadly say,
His age shall dwindle, swift his joy of life decay.

Explanation :
The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened.

Poem : 565

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

Explanation :
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.

Poem : 566

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

Explanation :
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.

Poem : 567

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

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

Poem : 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!

Explanation :
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.

Poem : 569

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

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

Poem : 570

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

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