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VIJI, 307
THEFT.
307
punish thieves; for, if he punishes thieves, his fame grows and his kingdom prospers.
303. That king, indeed, is ever worthy of honour who ensures the safety (of his subjects); for the sacrificial session (sattra, which he, as it were, performs thereby) ever grows in length, the safety (of his subjects representing) the sacrificial fee.
304. A king who (duly) protects (his subjects) receives from each and all the sixth part of their spiritual merit; if he does not protect them, the sixth part of their demerit also will fall on him).
305. Whatever (merit a man gains by) reading the Veda, by sacrificing, by charitable gifts, (or by) worshipping (Gurus and gods), the king obtains a sixth part of that in consequence of his duly protecting (his kingdom).
306. A king who protects the created beings in accordance with the sacred law and smites those worthy of corporal punishment, daily offers (as it were) sacrifices at which hundred thousands (are given as), fees.
307. A king who does not afford protection, (yet) takes his share in kind, his taxes, tolls and duties, daily presents and fines, will (after death) soon sink into hell.
303-311. Åp. II, 25, 15; Vas. I, 42-44; Vi. V, 196; Yâgñ. I, 335-336, 358; see also below, IX, 252 seqq.
307. The share in kind,' i.e. the sixth part of the harvest' (Medh., Gov., Kull., Nár., Râgh.), or the choice portions of fruit, grain, &c. to be given to the king. "Taxes,' i.e. ganghâdâna (Medh.), or the land-tax paid in money (Når.), 'monthly taxes, or taxes payable in certain months by the villagers' (Gov., Kull., Rågh.). Sulka, i.e. the tolls and duties payable by merchants and traders' (Medh., Gov., Kull., Nár., Râgh.). For pratibhâgam, i.e. the daily presents of fruit, vegetables, &c.,' the so-called Dâlîs (Medh., Kull.),
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