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IX, 313. DUTIES OF A KING.
397 spies; that is the office in which he resembles the Wind.
307. As Yama at the appointed time subjects to his rule both friends and foes, even so all subjects must be controlled by the king ; that is the office in which he resembles Yama.
308. As (a sinner) is seen bound with ropes by Varuna, even so let him punish the wicked; that is his office in which he resembles Varuna.
309. He is a king, taking upon himself the office of the Moon, whose (appearance) his subjects (greet with as great joy) as men feel on seeing the full moon.
310. (If he is ardent in wrath against criminals and endowed with brilliant energy, and destroys wicked vassals, then his character is said (to resemble) that of Fire.
311. As the Earth supports all created beings equally, thus (a king) who supports all his subjects, (takes upon himself) the office of the Earth.
312. Employing these and other means, the king shall, ever untired, restrain thieves both in his own dominions and in (those of) others.
313. Let him not, though fallen into the deepest distress, provoke Brâhmanas to anger; for they,
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308. Nand. reads the first line differently, Varunenapi pâsais ka badhyate vârunair narah, As men are bound by Varuna with Varuna's fetters.' The expression 'the fetters of Varuna' is a common designation of dropsy.
310. Nâr. adds, ' As the fire at an ordeal injures wicked men, even so he should destroy wicked neighbours.'
312. In those of) others,' i.e.'those thieves who live in other kingdoms, and come to rob in his own' (Kull., Nâr.). Nand. omits this and the next two verses.
313. 'Let him not provoke Brâhmanas to anger,'i.e.' by taking their
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