39. The Merits of the King

He is lion among kings who is well endowed with these six: 
army, citizens, wealth, ministers, allies and fortresses.

There are four attributes that cannot be absent in a king:
fearlessness, generosity, wisdom and industriousness.

In those who rule the land, three traits must never lapse:
vigilance, valor and virtuous learning.

The noble king is unswerving in virtue, restrains wrongdoing
and courageously maintains his honor.

He who can produce a treasury of wealth, deposit it, 
preserve it and apportion it wisely--now, that is a king!

All peoples praise that nation whose sovereign
is always accessible and never speaks harshly.

Behold the king who speaks graciously, gives generously and
protects powerfully--the world considers his word its command.

Ruling righteously himself and safeguarding his subjects,
a monarch may be deemed divine by his people.

The world lives protected beneath the umbrella
of an ethical leader who can endure words bitter to the ear.

He is a light among rulers who is endowed with the four merits
of generosity, graciousness, justice and care for the people.