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XIX, 46.
DUTIES OF A KING.
1οι
38. A thief becomes free from guilt by entering (the royal presence) after (his deed and asking to be punished).
39. But according to some (lawyers) he (who is caught) with weapons in his hands, with stolen goods in his possession, or covered with wounds is proved (to be a criminal).
40. In case (a criminal) worthy of punishment is allowed to go free, the king shall fast during one (day and one) night;
41. (And) his domestic priest during three (days and) nights.
42. If an innocent man is punished, the domestic priest (shall perform) a Krikkhra penance;
43. (And the king (shall fast) during three (days and) nights.
44. Now they quote also (the following verses): *The slayer of a learned Brâhmana casts his guilt on him who eats his food; an adulterous wife on her (negligent) husband; a student and a sacrificer on an (ignorant) teacher (and officiating priest); and a thief on the king (who pardons him).'
45. 'But men who have committed offences and have received from kings the punishment (due to them), go pure to heaven, and (become) as holy as the virtuous.
46. “The guilt falls on the king who pardons an
38. This Sûtra apparently alludes to a penitent thief who confesses his crime and asks for punishment; see below, XX, 41.
39. Manu IX, 270; Nârada V, 29-33 (Jolly). As given in the MSS. and by Krishnapandita, the Sutra is doubtlessly corrupt. I read vranasampanno vyapadishtah.
44. Identical with Manu VIII, 314. 45. Identical with Manu VIII, 318.
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| SR No. | 007674 |
| Book Title | Dhammapada |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Max Muller |
| Publisher | Oxford |
| Publication Year | 1881 |
| Total Pages | 2540 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 45 MB |