g
and king's officers exercise equal authority and where they are given to
the habit of eating before feeding their relatives (when the latter come
as guests).[1474] One should dwell in that country where Brahmanas
possessed of a knowledge of the scriptures are fed first, where they are
always devoted to the due observance of religious duties, and where they
are engaged in teaching disciples and officiating at the sacrifices of
others. One should unhesitatingly dwell in that country where the sounds
Swaha, Swadha, and Vashat are duly and continuously uttered.[1475] One
should leave that kingdom, like poisoned meat, where one sees Brahmanas
obliged to betake themselves to unholy practices, being tortured by want
of the means of life. With a contented heart and deeming all his wishes
as already gratified a righteous man should dwell in that country whose
inhabitants cheerfully give away before even they are solicited. One
should live and move about, among good men devoted to acts of
righteousness, in that country where chastisement falleth upon those that
are wicked and where respect and good offices are the portion of those
that are of subdued and cleansed souls. One should unhesitatingly dwell
in that country whose king is devoted to virtue and which the king rules
virtuously, casting off desires and possessed of prosperity, and where
severe chastisement is dealt to those that visit self-controlled men with
the consequences of their wrath, those that act wickedly towards the
righteous, those that are given to acts of violence, and those that are
covetous.[1476] Kings endued with such a disposition bring about
prosperity to those that dwell in their kingdoms when prosperity is on
the point of leaving them.[1477] I have thus told thee, O son, in answer
to thy enquiry, what is beneficial or excellent. No one can describe, in
consequence of its exceedingly high character, what is beneficial or
excellent for the Soul.[1478] Many and high will the excellences be,
through the observance of the duties laid down for him, of the man who
for earning his livelihood during the time of his sojourn here conducts
himself in the way indicated above and who devotes his soul to the good
of all creatures.'"'"[1479]

SECTION CCLXXXIX

"'Yudhishthira said, "How, O grandsire, should a king like us behave in
this world, keeping in view the great object of acquisition? What
attributes, again, should he always possess so that he may be free