A learned man had the education of a king's son, and used to beat him unmercifully, and scold him incessantly. The boy, unable to endure it, complained to his father, and removed his dress from his body, which was aching with blows. The father's heart was troubled, and, sending for the instructor, he said, “Thou dost not think it right to treat the children of any one of my subjects with such cruelty and harshness as thou shewest to my son. What is the reason of this?” He replied, “All persons ought to speak with reflection, and act with propriety: but this is especially requisite for kings, for whatever comes from their hand or lips will assuredly be the common topic of conversation; while the words and actions of common people have not so much weight.
STANZA.
A hundred evil acts the poor may do, Their comrades of the hundred know but one;
STANZA.
A hundred evil acts the poor may do, Their comrades of the hundred know but one;
But region after region permeates through One evil action by a monarch done.
Wherefore, in correcting the manners of princes, we ought to use greater strictness than in reference to others.
STANZA.
They who in youth to manners ne'er attend, Will in advancing years small gain acquire: Wood, while 'tis green, thou mayst at pleasure bend; When dry, thou canst not change it save by fire.
COUPLET.
Surely green branches thou mayst render straight; Th' attempt to straighten dry wood comes too late.
The king approved of the sage counsel of the master, and of the manner in which he had spoken, and bestowed on him a robe of honour and rich presents, at the same time advancing him to a higher rank.
Wherefore, in correcting the manners of princes, we ought to use greater strictness than in reference to others.
STANZA.
They who in youth to manners ne'er attend, Will in advancing years small gain acquire: Wood, while 'tis green, thou mayst at pleasure bend; When dry, thou canst not change it save by fire.
COUPLET.
Surely green branches thou mayst render straight; Th' attempt to straighten dry wood comes too late.
The king approved of the sage counsel of the master, and of the manner in which he had spoken, and bestowed on him a robe of honour and rich presents, at the same time advancing him to a higher rank.