Neeti Shataka: On Evil Rulers

Shaastropaskrutashabdasundaragirah Shishyapradeyaagamaa|
Vikhyaataah Kavayovasantivishayeyasyaprabhornirdhanaah||
Tat Jaadyamvasudhaadhipasyakavayohyarthamvinaapeeshvaraah|
Kutsyaahsyuhkupureekshakaanamanayoyairardhatah Paatitaah||
The King whose dominion is populated with
Scholars, poets and learned men famed for
Excellence, erudition, sweet speech, and a
Large retinue of disciples eking
Lives condemned to penury
Is indeed a king but in name similar to
An incompetent jeweller who errs in
Valuing precious gems unaware that
Their true worth depends not on his whim similar to the
Power and reach of genuine men of learning.