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Tirrukural, the - Book 2 The Unswerving Sceptre

541. Searching enquiry, an impartial eye, punishment as prescribed
Are the ways of justice.

542. The world looks up to heaven for rain
And his subjects to their king for justice.

543. The king's sceptre provides the base
For scripture and right conduct.

544. The king who rules cherishing his people
Has the world at his feet.

545. The king who rules according to the law
Never lacks rain and corn.

546. Not his spear but a straight sceptre
Is what gives a monarch his triumph.

547.  The king guards the land, and his own rule
Will guard him if he is straight.

548. A king inaccessible, unprobing and unjust
Will sink and be ruined.

549. For a king who would guard and cherish his people
To punish crimes is a duty, not defect.

550. The king who punishes wicked men with death
Is a farmer weeding the tender crops.