441.

As friends the men who virtue know, and riper wisdom share,

Their worth weighed well, the king should choose with care.

442.

Cherish the all-accomplished men as friends,

Whose skill the present ill removes, from coming ill defends.

443.

To cherish men of mighty soul, and make them all their own,

Of kingly treasures rare, as rarest gift is known.

444.

To live with men of greatness that their own excels,

As cherished friends, is greatest power that with a monarch dwells.

445.

The king, since counsellors are monarch's eyes,

Should counsellors select with counsel wise.

446.

The king, who knows to live with worthy men allied,

Has nought to fear from any foeman's pride.

447.

What power can work his fall, who faithful ministers

Employs, that thunder out reproaches when he errs.

448.

The king with none to censure him, bereft of safeguards all,

Though none his ruin work, shall surely ruined fall.

449.

Who owns no principal, can have no gain of [trade];

Who lacks support of friends, knows no stability.

450.

Than hate of many foes incurred, works greater woe

Ten-fold, of worthy men the friendship to forego.