Then, with gentle wisdom and deep affection, the speaker addressed Bharata, son of Kaikeyi, asking after the welfare of his kingdom and the soundness of his rule. “Are all your actions, both those you intend and those already accomplished, known to your virtuous subjects? For a king should never undertake deeds shrouded in secrecy, unknown to his people. Do you, through careful reasoning, inference, or through the counsel of your ministers, discern any plan or matter that has not been declared openly by you or your advisers? “Do you desire the guidance of a single wise person over the counsel of a thousand fools? Truly, in times of difficulty, one wise man can bring about immense benefit, while reliance on thousands, or even tens of thousands, of fools offers no real support. Even a single minister who is intelligent, brave, skillful, and discerning can bring great prosperity to a king and his realm. “Are your chief servants entrusted with the most important tasks, those of middling ability given moderate duties, and the least capable assigned to lesser responsibilities? Do you appoint only those ministers who are above suspicion, pure in conduct, descended from your father and grandfather, and the very best among men to the highest offices? “O son of Kaikeyi, do your counselors approve of your rule, or is your kingdom troubled by harsh punishments and a distressed people? Are you free from the scorn of your priests, as a fallen man is, or from the contempt of women, as one who accepts harsh gifts and pursues them with desire? “One skilled in intrigue, a physician intent on corrupting servants, or a brave man greedy for power—if left unpunished—deserves to be executed. Have you appointed as commander of your army one who is bold, brave, intelligent, steadfast, pure, of noble lineage, loyal, and capable? Are your principal warriors strong, skilled in battle, proven in danger, and have you honored and respected them as they deserve? “Do you give food and wages to your troops at the proper time, without delay? For if there is delay in these, soldiers grow angry and corrupted, which is a great misfortune for the ruler. Are all the sons of noble families, especially the chief ones, devoted to you, ready to give their lives for your cause with full commitment? “Have you chosen as your messenger a learned, skillful, intelligent, and eloquent man from the countryside, who speaks only as instructed, O wise Bharata? Do you know the eighteen positions—ten on your own side and five on the enemy’s—by means of three spies each, unknown to one another? “Do you always avoid those who are not well-disposed toward you and keep away those who have turned against you, never underestimating the weak, O destroyer of foes? My son, do you avoid associating with materialistic Brahmins? For these childish men, though thinking themselves wise, are skilled only in useless matters. When the main scriptures of dharma are available, these foolish ones, having acquired but a little logic, speak uselessly, considering themselves wise. “O father, is the city once inhabited by our heroic ancestors, called Truth, with strong gates, crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots, still flourishing? Is it always filled with Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, devoted to their own duties, self-controlled, enthusiastic, and surrounded by noble people in thousands? Is the city, adorned with mansions of many shapes and crowded with skilled physicians, Ayodhya, prosperous and joyful, well protected by you? Is it graced with hundreds of buildings, densely populated, beautified by temples, rest houses, and ponds? “Is it radiant with cheerful men and women, shining with gatherings and festivals, its borders well-cultivated, abundant in cattle, and free from violence? Is it delightful, free from irreligious people and wild beasts, abandoned by all fears, and adorned with mines? Is the region, protected by my ancestors and devoid of wicked people, prosperous, with its inhabitants living happily, O Raghava? “Are all those dear to you, who live by farming and cattle-rearing, well cared for? For happiness in the world thrives through agriculture. Have you provided for their protection and welfare, never neglecting them? All residents of the realm must be safeguarded by the king through righteousness. “Do you comfort the women, and are they well protected? Do you trust them, and do you refrain from speaking of their secrets? Is the elephant forest well guarded, and do you have plenty of cows? Are you satisfied with the horses and elephants in the royal stables? Do you regularly show yourself, adorned, to the people, rising early each morning and appearing on the great highway, O prince? “Are all your officials’ tasks openly performed without suspicion, or are matters left unfinished, with only partial reasons given? Are all your fortresses fully supplied with wealth, grain, weapons, water, machines, and craftsmen skilled in archery? “Is your income abundant and your expenditure modest? Does your treasury, O Raghava, never go to unworthy recipients? Is your expenditure directed towards the gods, ancestors, Brahmins who visit, warriors, and friends? “Is the noble person, pure in heart, never accused of theft, nor condemned by scholars without inquiry, nor punished out of greed, remaining innocent? Is the thief, apprehended and questioned at the proper time, seen with evidence, never released out of greed for wealth, O bull among men? “O Raghava, in times of adversity or prosperity, do your learned ministers, impartial in judgment, look after your interests? For know, the tears shed by those falsely accused destroy the sons and cattle of those who punish them out of a desire for favor.