57. Avoidance of Tyranny

He is a true king who impartially investigates
and then duly punishes so that the offense will not recur.

He who wishes his prosperity to long remain
will raise the rod severely, but let it fall softly.

The tyrant who causes dread in his people 
will perish quickly and inevitably.

"Our king is cruel." When these bitter words are spoken, 
the monarch's life is shortened, and he soon succumbs.

If a man's countenance is harsh and access to him is hard,
his wealth, however vast, might as well belong to a demon.

If a man is unkind and speaks cruelly,
his vast wealth will not last long before perishing.

Harsh language and overly severe punishment,
like a keen file, grind down a king's conquering powers.

A king's wealth wanes when, without thoughtful involvement,
he lets ministers work, then furiously faults their efforts.

The sovereign who does not secure defenses will be seized 
by fear when wartime comes and promptly perish.

Earth bears no greater burden than crude counselors
that a cruel-sceptered king binds to his court.