Couplet 431
Who arrogance, and wrath, and littleness of low desire restrain,
To sure increase of lofty dignity attain
Explanation
54 Truly great is the excellence of those (kings) who are free from pride, anger, and lust
Couplet 432
A niggard hand, o'erweening self-regard, and mirth
Unseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith
Explanation
Avarice, undignified pride, and low pleasures are faults in a king
Couplet 433
Though small as millet-seed the fault men deem;
As palm tree vast to those who fear disgrace 'twill seem
Explanation
Those who fear guilt, if they commit a fault small as a millet seed, will consider it to be as large as a palmyra tree
Couplet 434
Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully
'Gainst these, for fault is fatal enmity
Explanation
Guard against faults as a matter (of great consequence; for) faults are a deadly enemy
Couplet 435
His joy who guards not 'gainst the coming evil day,
Like straw before the fire shall swift consume away
Explanation
The prosperity of him who does not timely guard against faults, will perish like straw before fire
Couplet 436
Faultless the king who first his own faults cures, and then
Permits himself to scan faults of other men
Explanation
What fault will remain in the king who has put away his own evils, and looks after the evils of others
Couplet 437
Who leaves undone what should be done, with niggard mind,
His wealth shall perish, leaving not a wrack behind
Explanation
The wealth of the avaricious man, who does not expend it for the purposes for which he ought to expend it will waste away and not continue
Couplet 438
The greed of soul that avarice men call,
When faults are summed, is worst of all
Explanation
Griping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (it stands alone - greater than all)
Couplet 439
Never indulge in self-complaisant mood,
Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good
Explanation
Let no (one) praise himself, at any time; let him not desire to do useless things
Couplet 440
If, to your foes unknown, you cherish what you love,
Counsels of men who wish you harm will harmless prove
Explanation
If (a king) enjoys, privately the things which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless
