productive of mighty fruits? No one should move his lips, arms and
thighs, before the king. A person should speak and spit before the king
only mildly. In the presence of even laughable objects, a man should not
break out into loud laughter, like a maniac; nor should one show
(unreasonable) gravity by containing himself, to the utmost. One should
smile modestly, to show his interest (in what is before him). He that is
ever mindful of the king's welfare, and is neither exhilarated by reward
nor depressed by disgrace, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal
household. That learned courtier who always pleaseth the king and his
son with agreeable speeches, succeedeth in dwelling in a royal household
as a favourite. The favourite courtier who, having lost the royal favour
for just reason, does not speak evil of the king, regains prosperity.
The man who serveth the king or liveth in his domains, if sagacious,
should speak in praise of the king, both in his presence and absence.
The courtier who attempts to obtain his end by employing force on the
king, cannot keep his place long and incurs also the risk of death. None
should, for the purpose of self-interest, open communications with the
king's enemies.[8] Nor should one distinguish himself above the king in
matters requiring ability and talents. He that is always cheerful and
strong, brave and truthful and mild, and of subdued senses, and who
followeth his master like his shadow, is alone worthy to dwell in a
royal household. He that on being entrusted with a work, cometh forward,
saying,--_I will do this_--is alone worthy of living in a royal
household. He that on being entrusted with a task, either within the
king's dominion or out of it, never feareth to undertake it, is alone
fit to reside in a royal household. He that living away from his home,
doth no remember his dear ones, and who undergoeth (present) misery in
expectation of (future) happiness, is alone worthy of dwelling in a
royal household. One should not dress like the king, nor should one
indulge in laughter in the king's presence nor should one disclose royal