He is minister who chooses
Right means, time, mode and rare ventures.
With these he guards people, - by his
Knowledge, firmness and manliness.
A minister cherishes friends
Divides foes and the parted blends.
A minister must sift reflect
Select and say surely one fact.
Have him for help who virtue knows
Right wisdom speaks, ever apt in acts.
Which subtler brain can stand before
The keen in brain with learned lore?
Albeit you know to act from books
Act after knowing world's outlooks.
The man in place must tell the facts
Though the ignorant king refutes.
Seventy crores of foes are better
Than a minister with mind bitter.
The unresolved, though well designed
To fulfill an act they have no mind.
MINISTERS
