CHAPTER XXIX

MAGISTRATE AND SUBJECT

1. 0 thou, the favorite of Heaven, whom the sons of men, thy equals, have agreed to raise to sovereign power and set as a ruler over themselves; consider the ends and importance of their trust, fax more than the dignity and height of thy station.

2. Thou art clothed in purple, and seated on a throne; the crown of majesty investeth thy temples, the sceptre of power is placed in thy hand; but not for thyself were these ensigns given; not meant for thine own, but the good of thy kingdom.

3. The glory of a king is the welfare of his people; his power and dominion rest on the hearts of his subjects.

4. The mind of a great prince is exalted with the grandeur of his situation; he evolveth high things, and searcheth for business worthy of his power.

5. He calleth together the wise men of his kingdom; he consulteth among them with freedom, and heareth the opinions of them all.

6. He looketh among his people with discernment; he discovereth the abilities of men, and employeth them according to their merits.

7. His magistrates are just, his ministers are wise, and the favorite of his bosom deceiveth him not.

8. He smileth on the arts, and they flourish; the sciences improve beneath the culture of his hand.

9. With the learned and ingenious he delighteth himself; he kindleth in their breasts emulation; and the glory of his kingdom is exalted by their labors.

10. The spirit of the merchant who extendeth his commerce, the skill of the farmer who enricheth his lands, the ingenuity of the artists, the improvements of the scholar; all these he honoreth with his favor, or rewardeth with his bounty.

11. He planteth new colonies, he buildeth strong ships, he openeth rivers for convenience, he formeth harbors for safety, his people abound in riches, and the strength of his kingdom increaseth.

12. He frameth his statutes with equity and wisdom; his subjects enjoy the fruits of their labor in security; and their happiness consists of the observance of the law.

13. He foundeth his judgments on the principle of mercy; but in the punishment of offenders, he is strict and impartial.

14. His ears are open to the complaints of his subjects; he restraineth the hands of their oppressors, and he delivereth them from their tyranny.

15. His people, therefore, look up to him as a father, with reverence and love; they consider him as the guardian of all they enjoy.

16. Their affection unto him begetteth in his breast a love of the public; the security of their happiness is the object of his care.

17. No murmurs against him arise in their hearts; the machinations of his enemies endanger not the state.

18. His subjects are faithful, and firm in his cause; they stand in his defense, as a wall of brass; the army of a tyrant flieth before them, as chaff before the wind.

19. Security and peace bless the dwelling of his people; and glory and strength encircle his throne forever.


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