39. 'As cows go after the bull in any direction, whether the right or the wrong one, following his steps, in the very same manner the subjects imitate the behaviour of their ruler without any scruple and undauntedly.
'You must take also this into consideration.
40. 'If I should lack the power of ruling my own self, say, into what condition would I bring this people who long for protection from my side?
41. 'Thus considering and regardful of the good of my subjects, my own righteousness, and my spotless fame, I do not allow myself to submit to my passion. I am the leader of my subjects, the bull of my herd.'
Then Abhipâraga, the king's official, appeased by this constancy of the king, bowed his head and reverentially folding his hands, spoke:
42. 'Oh! excessively favoured by Destiny are these subjects, having such a ruler as you are, Illustrious King. Love of Righteousness utterly disregardful of pleasures is to be searched for even among those who dwell in penance-groves.
43. 'In you the appellation of "great," O Mahârâga, is a brilliant ornament. For the name of a virtue, conferred upon persons devoid of virtue, has a rather harsh sound, as if used in contempt.
44. 'Nor is there any reason for me to be astonished or agitated by this grand deed of yours, who are a mine of virtues, as the sea is of jewels[116].'
In this manner, then, the virtuous, even when sick with heavy sorrow, are disinclined to follow the road of the low-minded, being prevented from such actions by the firmness of their constancy [and their being conversant with the Law by long and good practice. Thus considering, one ought to exert one's self in practising constancy and the precepts of the Law].