RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN
CHAPTER 7
DASARATHA’S MINISTERS
There were eight ministers to Dasaratha. The empire was vast. The emperor was war-like and wise monarch. These ministers assisted Dasaratha in wise ways. These ministers were very good readers of character. They were faithful and true. Their thoughts, words and deeds were in perfect accord. They were of subdued senses. They had large private means. They were gifted with extraordinary intelligence. They were sweet-spoken. They had fame for their honesty and truth. They had unsurpassed valour and fortitude. They were dear to their master. They always looked out for the good of Dasaratha. Their time and energies were devoted to the affairs of the state. The ministers were well-versed in the science of statecraft. They would not do any mean action. They had good patience. They had spiritual capacity. They would not tell a lie because of anger, for gain or love. They had considerable tact and knowledge of the world. They knew through their spies everything that took place in their country or abroad. They dealt out justice swiftly without fear or favour.
They guarded the interests of the good and the righteous. They were always successful against the plans of the enemies of the state. They always looked out for increasing the armaments of the kingdom and enriching the coffers. They did not oppress the Brahmins and the valiant kshatrias. Every offender was punished or fined. In this the magnitude of their crime and means to pay were taken into consideration. Due regard were given to the place and time and age and means in meeting out punishment. These excellent counsellors were tastefully and adorned. They guarded the secrets of the state. They were calm and cool in judgement.
Through his gifted ministers, Dasaratha won over the hearts of his people and was ever informed of everything that took place at home or abroad. Of faultless character, his feet were ever set on the path of virtue. No one asked for his presence and went away disappointed. His friends were numerous. He had many tributaries. He bowed to none. He acknowledged the rule of none. He ruled his country rightly with the help of his ministers.
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