Chapter 57: Avoidance of Tyranny
Kural 561
He is a true king who impartially investigates
and then duly punishes so that the offense will not recur.
Kural 562
He who wishes his prosperity to long remain
will raise the rod severely, but let it fall softly.
Kural 563
The tyrant who causes dread in his people
will perish quickly and inevitably.
Kural 564
"Our king is cruel." When these bitter words are spoken,
the monarch's life is shortened, and he soon succumbs.
Kural 565
If a man's countenance is harsh and access to him is hard,
his wealth, however vast, might as well belong to a demon.
Kural 566
If a man is unkind and speaks cruelly,
his vast wealth will not last long before perishing.
Kural 567
Harsh language and overly severe punishment,
like a keen file, grind down a king's conquering powers.
Kural 568
A king's wealth wanes when, without thoughtful involvement,
he lets ministers work, then furiously faults their efforts.
Kural 569
The sovereign who does not secure defenses will be seized
by fear when wartime comes and promptly perish.
Kural 570
Earth bears no greater burden than crude counselors
that a cruel-sceptered king binds to his court.