In
the matter of taking counsel and in the assembly of his councillors what
independence can the king be said to have? When, indeed, he sets his
orders on other men, he is said to be thoroughly independent. But then
the moment after, in the several matters of his orders, his independence
is barred by the very men whom he has ordered.[1704] If the king desires
to sleep, he cannot gratify his desire, resisted by those who have
business to transact with him. He must sleep when permitted, and while
sleeping he is obliged to wake up for attending to those that have urgent
business with him--bathe, touch, drink, eat, pour libations on the fire,
perform sacrifices, speak, hear,--these are the words which kings have to
hear from others and hearing them have to slave to those that utter them.
Men come in batches to the king and solicit him for gifts. Being,
how-ever, the protector of the general treasury, he cannot make gifts
unto even the most deserving. If he makes gifts, the treasury becomes
exhausted. If he does not, disappointed solicitors look upon him with
hostile eyes. He becomes vexed and as the result of this, misanthropical
feelings soon invade his mind. If many wise and heroic and wealthy men
reside together, the king's mind begins to be filled with distrust in
consequence. Even when there is no cause of fear, the king entertains
fear of those that always wait upon and worship him. Those I have
mentioned O king, also find fault with him. Behold, in what way the
king's fears may arise from even them! Then again all men are kings in
their own houses.
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