551.

Than one who plies the murderer's trade, more cruel is the king

Who all injustice works, his subjects harassing.

552.

As 'Give' the robber cries with lance uplift,

So kings with sceptred hand implore a gift.

553.

Who makes no daily search for wrongs, nor justly rules, that king

Doth day by day his realm to ruin bring.

554.

Whose rod from right deflects, who counsel doth refuse,

At once his wealth and people utterly shall lose.

555.

His people's tears of sorrow past endurance, are not they

Sharp instruments to wear the monarch's wealth away?

556.

To rulers' rule stability is sceptre right;

When this is not, quenched is the rulers' light.

557.

As lack of rain to thirsty lands beneath,

Is lack of grace in kings to all that breathe.

558.

To poverty it adds a sharper sting,

To live beneath the sway of unjust king.

559.

Where king from right deflecting, makes unrighteous gain,

The seasons change, the clouds pour down no rain.

560.

Where guardian guardeth not, udder of kine grows dry,

And [the scholars'] sacred lore will all forgotten lie.