156. They should observe the great festivals in honour of the
Deity in the temples, and should distribute various gifts among
Brâhmans who are deserving objects (of generosity).
157. Kings who are my followers should govern all their subjects
in accordance with the law (laid down in the Dharma-šâstras), and
should protect them as if they were their children, and should
establish the observance of proper duties throughout the whole
land.
158. They should be well acquainted with the circumstances of
their kingdom; as, for example, with the seven Angas (viz. the
duties of the sovereign, minister, ally, treasury, territory,
fortresses and army); the four Upâyas (viz. conciliation, sowing
dissension, bribing, and punishing); the six Gu.nas (viz. peace,
war, marching, sitting encamped, dividing the forces, having
recourse to an ally for protection); and the places of resort to
which spies should be sent. They should also make themselves
acquainted with the men who are skilled in legal procedure, and
with all the court functionaries, observing by the right signs
whether any ought to be punished or not. [Footnote: With
reference to this verse compare Manu's directions to Kings (Books
vii. and viii.), and the precepts in the Vigraha chapter of the
Hitopadeša.]
159. Wives should honour their husbands as if they were gods,
and never offend them with improper language, though they be
diseased, indigent, or imbecile. [Footnote: Compare Manu, v. 154.]
160. No communication, even though arising naturally
(_sâhajika_), should be held with any other man who may be
possessed of beauty, youth and good qualities.
161. A chaste woman should not allow her navel, thighs, or
breasts to be seen by males; nor should she remain without an
upper garment (anuttarîyâ), nor should she look at (the antics
of) buffoons, nor associate with an immodest woman.
162. A wife while her husband is absent in a foreign country
should wear neither ornaments nor fine clothes; she ought not to
frequent other people's houses, and should abstain from laughing
and talking with other women.
163. Widows should serve the God K.rish.na with minds intent on
him as their only husband; they should live under the control of
their father, or other male members of the family, and never in
independence.
164. They must never at any time touch any men except their
nearest relations, and when young they should never without
necessity engage in conversation with youthful men.
165. If an infant male-child touch them, no blame attaches to
them, any more than from contact with a dumb animal; nor if they
are compelled from necessity to talk with or touch an old man.
166. Instruction in any science should not be received by them
from any man except from their nearest relations. They should
frequently emaciate their bodies by vows and fasts.
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