52. Selection and Employment

He should be employed (by a king), whose nature leads him to choose the good, after having weighed both the evil and the good in any undertaking.

Let him do (the king's) work who can enlarge the sources (of revenue), increase wealth and considerately prevent the accidents (which would destroy it).

Let the choice (of a king) fall upon him who largely possesses these four things, love, knowledge, a clear mind and freedom from covetousness.

Even when (a king) has tried them in every possible way, there are many men who change, from the nature of the works (in which they may be employed).

(A king's) work can only be accomplished by a man of wisdom and patient endurance; it is not of a nature to be given to one from mere personal attachment.

Let (a king) act, after having considered the agent (whom he is to employ), the deed (he desires to do), and the time which is suitable to it.

After having considered, "this man can accomplish this, by these means", let (the king) leave with him the discharge of that duty.

Having considered what work a man is fit for, let (the king) employ him in that work.

Prosperity will leave (the king) who doubts the friendship of the man who steadily labours in the discharge of his duties.

Let a king daily examine the conduct of his servants; if they do not act crookedly, the world will not act crookedly.