In times, however, of distress, there is an
exception of this. If thou seekest to discharge the duties of the order
and wishest to obtain the highest place in heaven, then give unto the
Brahmana all the land thou mayst succeed in conquering, unto him that is
possessed of learning and virtuous conduct, that is conversant with
duties and observant of penances, that is satisfied with the duties of
his order and not covetous of wealth. The well-born Brahmana, possessed
of wisdom and humility, guides the king in every matter by his own great
intelligence. By means of sound counsels he causes the king to earn
prosperity. The Brahmana points out to the king the duties the latter is
to observe. As long as a wise king, observant of the duties of his order,
and bereft of pride, is desirous of listening to the instructions of the
Brahmana, so long is he honoured and so long does he enjoy fame. The
priest of the king, therefore, has a share in the merit that the king
acquires. When the king behaves himself thus, all his subjects, relying
upon him, become virtuous in their behaviour, attentive to their duties,
and freed from every fear. The king obtains a fourth part of those
righteous acts which his subjects, properly protected by him, perform in
his kingdom. The gods, men, Pitris, Gandharvas, Uragas, and Rakshasas,
all depend upon sacrifices for their support. In a country destitute of a
king, there can be no sacrifice. The gods and the Pitris subsist on the
offerings made in sacrifices.
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