90. Not Offending the Great

Not to disregard the power of those who can carry out (their wishes) is more important than all the watchfulness of those who guard (themselves against evil).

To behave without respect for the great (rulers) will make them do (us) irremediable evils.

If a person desires ruin, let him not listen to the righteous dictates of law, but commit crimes against those who are able to slay (other sovereigns).

The weak doing evil to the strong is like beckoning Yama to come (and destroy them).

Those who have incurred the wrath of a cruel and mighty potentate will not prosper wherever they may go.

Though burnt by a fire (from a forest), one may perhaps live; (but) never will he live who has shown disrespect to the great (devotees).

If a king incurs the wrath of the righteous great, what will become of his government with its splendid auxiliaries and (all) its untold wealth ?

If (the) hill-like (devotees) resolve on destruction, those who seemed to be everlasting will be destroyed root and branch from the earth.

If those of exalted vows burst in a rage, even (Indra) the king will suffer a sudden loss and be entirely ruined.

Though in possession of numerous auxiliaries, they will perish who are-exposed to the wrath of the noble whose penance is boundless.