Couplet 441
As friends the men who virtue know, and riper wisdom share,
Their worth weighed well, the king should choose with care
Explanation
Let (a king) ponder well its value, and secure the friendship of men of virtue and of mature knowledge
Couplet 442
Cherish the all-accomplished men as friends,
Whose skill the present ill removes, from coming ill defends
Explanation
Let (a king) procure and kindly care for men who can overcome difficulties when they occur, and guard against them before they happen
Couplet 443
To cherish men of mighty soul, and make them all their own,
Of kingly treasures rare, as rarest gift is known
Explanation
To cherish great men and make them his own, is the most difficult of all difficult things
Couplet 444
To live with men of greatness that their own excels,
As cherished friends, is greatest power that with a monarch dwells
Explanation
So to act as to make those men, his own, who are greater than himself is of all powers the highest
Couplet 445
The king, since counsellors are monarch's eyes,
Should counsellors select with counsel wise
Explanation
As a king must use his ministers as eyes (in managing his kingdom), let him well examine their character and qualifications before he engages them.
Couplet 446
The king, who knows to live with worthy men allied,
Has nought to fear from any foeman's pride
Explanation
There will be nothing left for enemies to do, against him who has the power of acting (so as to secure) the fellowship of worthy men
Couplet 447
What power can work his fall, who faithful ministers
Employs, that thunder out reproaches when he errs
Explanation
Who are great enough to destroy him who has servants that have power to rebuke him ?
Couplet 448
The king with none to censure him, bereft of safeguards all,
Though none his ruin work, shall surely ruined fall
Explanation
The king, who is without the guard of men who can rebuke him, will perish, even though there be no one to destroy him
Couplet 449
Who owns no principal, can have no gain of usury;
Who lacks support of friends, knows no stability
Explanation
Who owns no principle can have no gain of usury; who lacks support of friends, knows no stability.
Couplet 450
Than hate of many foes incurred, works greater woe
Ten-fold, of worthy men the friendship to forego
Explanation
It is tenfold more injurious to abandon the friendship of the good, than to incur the hatred of the many
