Once, the wise Sūta narrated to the gathered sages the duties and wisdom that guide a righteous king. He spoke of how a king, having worshipped Viṣṇu and remaining ever devoted to righteousness, to the welfare of cows and Brāhmaṇas, and to self-control, becomes truly able to protect his people. Such a king, though he may attain fleeting wealth and power, should always fix his mind on righteousness, understanding that prosperity can vanish in an instant and that neither wealth nor status are truly his own. Sūta continued, “Desires are indeed delightful, and possessions charming, but life itself is fickle, as fleeting as the sidelong glance of a woman. Old age looms like a tigress, and diseases rise within us like hidden enemies. Life slips away as easily as water from a broken pot, and in this world, few act truly for their own lasting good. “Why, then, do people hesitate to do good for others or themselves? Why, while delighting in worldly pleasures and the languor of love, do they fail to act with virtue? Do not commit sin; always honor Brāhmaṇas and Viṣṇu, for life ends swiftly, faltering at the surge of death like the sand in a water-clock. “The wise are those who see other men’s wives as mothers, others’ wealth as mere earth, and all beings as themselves. It is for the sake of such wisdom, O best of Brāhmaṇas, that kings desire sovereignty—so that their word stands unopposed in all matters. For this reason, too, kings accumulate wealth, but after ensuring their own safety, that wealth should be given to the twice-born. “By the sound of Oṃ uttered by Brāhmaṇas, the kingdom prospers; and a king who upholds discipline flourishes, free from affliction and disease. Even sages, though powerless, accumulate wealth; how much more so a king, who protects his subjects as his own children. Wealth brings friends, relatives, and esteem; in this world, the wealthy are even considered wise. But friends, sons, wives, and companions abandon a man who loses his wealth, only to return when fortune is restored—thus, wealth is truly a man’s kin. “A king without knowledge of scripture is truly blind. A blind man may be guided, but one ignorant of scripture cannot see at all. If a man’s sons, servants, ministers, priests, and even his senses are asleep, his kingdom cannot endure. He who acquires sons, servants, relatives, and the earth itself, rules equally with other kings through the four ages. “But disregard for what is established by scripture and reason leads to ruin in this world and the next, along with the loss of the kingdom. In times of adversity, a king should not be distressed; with evenness of mind and clarity of heart, he should remain the same in happiness and sorrow. The steadfast do not lose hope in hardship—does not the moon, after being swallowed by Rāhu, rise again? “Let us scorn those who pamper the body for fleeting pleasure. Do not grieve over lack of wealth, for the body itself is frail. Even those with wives and children, like the sons of Pāṇḍu, have abandoned suffering and found happiness anew. “A king should observe the arts of the Gandharvas, music, and the assemblies of courtesans, but must also protect the sciences of archery and statecraft. If he grows angry with a servant without cause, he takes on the madness of poison, like that released by a black serpent. Let him restrain his gaze from restlessness and avoid false speech, especially towards learned Brahmins and his servants. “A king who, proud of his servants and kin, acts playfully in governance, is soon overpowered by his enemies. He should never display anger or frown in mere words, nor punish servants without fault, for such is the mark of a base ruler. The idle pleasures of indulgence should be abandoned by the king. “Enemies entrenched in conflict are to be subdued by those who are themselves devoted to success and pleasure. Diligence, enterprise, courage, intelligence, strength, and valor—these six kinds of enthusiasm make even the gods wary. If a task is accomplished with effort but success is not attained, then fate is at work; yet human effort must never cease. “Now, hear about the servants who support a king. Servants are of many kinds—superior, inferior, and middling—and should be appointed to tasks according to their merit. Just as gold is tested by rubbing, cutting, heating, and beating, so too should a servant be tested by conduct, character, time, and work. “One endowed with noble family, good character, virtue, devotion to truth and righteousness, handsome and cheerful, is fit to be the treasurer. He who is skilled in examining value and form is the appraiser of jewels; one who knows strength and weakness is fit to command the army. He who understands gestures and expressions, is strong, pleasant to look at, vigilant and energetic, becomes the doorkeeper. “The scribe must be intelligent, eloquent, wise, truthful, self-controlled, and versed in all sciences. The messenger is intelligent, discerning, able to perceive the thoughts of others, harsh, and speaks as instructed. The chief of justice knows the treatises on memory and law, is learned, self-controlled, courageous, strong, and virtuous. “The cook should be skilled through his father and grandfather, learned in the scriptures, truthful, pure, and strict. The physician is practiced in Ayurveda, pleasing to all, long-lived, of good character and virtue. The royal priest knows the Veda and its branches, is devoted to recitation and sacrifice, and always intent on blessing. “Yet, a scribe, a reader, a calculator, an objector, and a lazy servant—such should always be avoided by the king.” Thus did Sūta instruct, weaving together the duties of kings and the qualities of those who serve them, ever pointing to the path of righteousness, wisdom, and the welfare of all.